THE COUNTRY HOUSE AUCTION ANNOUNCED FOR MORE4

Set in the bucolic backdrop of one of the UKs most stunning country estates the new format will share all of the suspense and excitement of a live auction with an exploration of the social history and cultural significance of some rare and beautiful artifacts.

Each episode of The Country House Auction will follow a selection of unique and one-of-a-kind items as they are brought to auction from stately home clearances, castles or private collections.

Past owners and prospective rival buyers will share why the objects are so important to them as antiques experts will offer their view on the value and significance of each item.

Jane Kelly said, “We are thrilled to bring The Country House Auction to life for C4 viewers and will be working hard to make sure this can be a returning brand for the channel, for the company and for the sector here in Northern Ireland. We applaud Northern Ireland Screen and C4 for the More4NI initiative and for creating business opportunities that tap the enormous creativity and ambition here”.

Clemency Green said of the commission, “This brilliant new series gives us all the chance to learn about some uniquely special items, and the secrets they reveal about our past, whilst also offering viewers the chance to see the thrill of the auction in a glorious setting...

"The series will offer viewers the chance to learn more about antiques and the shrewd and colourful characters; sellers, experts and buyers along the way. I am so pleased to be working with Big Mountain on this exciting new format.”

The four-part series The Country House Auction was commissioned for Channel 4 by Senior Commissioning Editor, Clemency Green with Head of Daytime and Features, Jo Street. Jane Kelly is the Executive Producer for Big Mountain. The series was co-funded by Northern Ireland Screen.