Charles Hanson
(Expert)
How do you find life on the road?
Life is an adventure which I thoroughly enjoy, and the antiques world is a voyage of discovery, with treasure waiting to be discovered and brought back to life.
What is your favourite part of your role?
What means the most to me when meeting people is learning of their history and hearing their stories, who their objects belonged to, the sentiment behind them. Often an object is worth far more to the family than any financial gain that could be achieved.
Why did you choose a career in antiques?
I chose to work with antiques because I love history; the question ‘if the object could talk what would it tell us’ is what keeps my interest; an auction is a theatre of drama and romance.
What would you do for a living if you weren’t working in the antiques trade?
If I wasn’t an auctioneer, what would I do instead? It’s a good question, I really don’t know!
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to work in antiques?
Anyone wishing to get involved in antiques should visit your local auction houses, go to local car boot sales, read about antiques, go to museums and basically get stuck in. There’s nothing like a hands-on approach to having a passion for the objects; it won’t just come to you; you’ve got to go and get it.
How did you get involved in Bargain Hunt?
I joined the Bargain Hunt team back in 2002. I thoroughly enjoyed the first day of filming as an auctioneer, and it’s been the same ever since.
Who has been your most memorable Bargain Hunt team?
Bargain Hunt Live is one of my most memorable moments on the show. I was an expert along with Tommy Walsh and Jeremy Bowen, live on 麻豆社 television at 8pm – a nerve wracking moment!
What has been your best ever Bargain Hunt find?
My favourite Bargain Hunt find was probably a quirky Elizabethan stirrup cup – and luckily it made a profit, even it was only £20.
Which fairs do you particularly like shopping at when ‘bargain hunting’?
Every fair has something to offer, but I particularly enjoy Kedleston Hall ‘Antiques in the Park’ which is close to home, but I also love to visit the bigger fairs in the south, including Ardingly, and also the fairs in Shropshire and Wales because the scenery is so beautiful.
What’s the most profit / greatest loss you’ve made at auction?
Personally, as an auctioneer I sold a Chinese vase for £300,000 which was wonderful; although on Bargain Hunt I once bought a Clarice Cliff cup and saucer which made a £180 loss – how awful!
What is your biggest guilty pleasure?
My biggest guilty pleasure is probably chocolate.
How do you spend your free time?
Any free time I have is spent with my wife Rebecca, daughter Matilda and son Frederick. Life is so busy that taking time for a family walk in the countryside around my home is an absolute joy.
Do you collect anything?
I am intrigued by quirky objects with history and a tale to tell. Again, the story behind an object is what truly inspires me.
Why do you think Bargain Hunt has such appeal?
Bargain Hunt has become a true TV classic and with its history and quirky stories it continues to intrigue both me and all those that watch it week in, week out. Nostalgia, curiosity and the possibility of uncovering hidden treasure - what more could you ask for!
Why would you encourage anyone to appear on Bargain Hunt?
The teams who join the experts have a wonderful time – come and join us, maybe you could be the one to make a big win!
