Cracking Antiques was a TV shown last year on the BBC hosted by Mark Hill and Kathryn Rayward . It is pitched somewhere between an antiques/collectors show and a DIY programme. It was based on the simple premise that decorating interiors with original items rather than modern high street items results in:

• A better final look – Rooms are done out first with modern high street items and then again using 2nd hand original items. The rooms kitted out with original rooms almost always look better to me.
• Money saving – The cost of the high street makeover is always many times more expensive
• Environmental benefits as items are re-used or recycled
• Better investments – Original items are almost always going to make better investments than modern reproductions

At the start of each show there is a small segment about something which may become a valuable antique of the future. West German Pottery makes an appearance in the opening part of episode 2 which was broadcast on 14th  April 2010. Mark Hill discusses a simple Scheurich vase and gives a rough valuation of for similar vases of between £2 and £20.

Mark suggests that the smart investment money is going on more sought after fat lava glazes with bright colours and interesting shapes such as the Roth Keramik guitar vase shown below.