The importance, worth, or usefulness of something.

"Things become precious, don't they? Bronze isn't likely to rust or deteriorate, but some of the others will wear away. I suppose you start to think of them as if they're precious works of art and that they're open to the elements. There are so many sculptures in Liverpool that have now been removed or put somewhere else, the indoors. I suppose the seagulls would have a fine old time on that, wouldn't they?"