麻豆约拍

Antiques dealers Ian Humphries, Viki Knott and Moses Otunla are on a buying trip to the south of France. Their base is a historic French farmhouse in Provence that is perfectly located close to some of France鈥檚 best antiques markets, or 'brocantes' as they are locally known.

The trio have left Provence for neighbouring Occitanie, to visit 'Le Grand D茅ballage' ie 'The Big Unpacking' in P茅zenas, a twice-yearly market where over 100 traders take to the streets. It鈥檚 a rare opportunity to pick up two interesting objects each to sell for a profit online in just a day.

The trio鈥檚 first challenge is to find something they know will appeal to their loyal customers and social media followers.

Ian sticks to what he knows, hoping lady luck shines on the antique oil painting of an old woman he picks up for a reasonable sum. Viki succeeds in her mission to 'buy French' with a pair of green metal pot stands she is convinced her regular clients will love. Moses leaves the bustling market behind and makes an exciting discovery away from the crowds: a potentially rare mid-century artist鈥檚 easel.

The dealers don鈥檛 only have to contend with the language barrier and a short selling period. Each day, one of the trio gets the chance to turn the screws on the others and set them a challenge to shop to a specific brief. Today, it鈥檚 Viki鈥檚 turn to throw down the gauntlet as she asks Ian and Moses to buy something that costs 40 euros or less.

With six items bought between them, it鈥檚 back to the farmhouse to size up the competition. The 17th-century farmhouse, set amongst vineyards and olive groves, provides the ideal backdrop for our dealers to take the photographs and videos they hope will make their Proven莽al pieces stand out when they come to post their objects online.

With just a day to secure a sale and the battle on to make the most profit, which of our trio will come out on top?