Thomas Forrester
(Expert)
How do you find life on the road?
I love life on the road - the chance to see new places.
What is your favourite part of your role?
It’s so funny meeting the teams - when they turn around all of a sudden or I surprise them. Once I was hiding, and the team said they smelled something lovely, was it Caroline Hawley? It was very funny when they saw it was me!
Why did you choose a career in antiques?
I grew up on a farm and we were beef farmers; I loved the cattle auctions and always admired the job of the auctioneer. I asked my father why the auctioneer was taking the auction in guineas. He explained the guinea is worth more than one pound and what is left over belongs to the man with the gavel!
However, I have been very lucky in that my grandmothers played a huge part in my love of old things. One was an architect and the other was in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force in WWII and was a massive fan of antiques and auctions from very early on, and she would take me to the local saleroom.
What would you do for a living if you weren’t working in the antiques trade?
That’s a really interesting question. I wanted to do loads of things when growing up - a soldier, dancer, chef - gosh I could go on! However, I always knew I wanted to be an auctioneer, so if I wasn’t in the trade I would be an out of work actor! I just wouldn’t feel comfortable in any other role.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to work in antiques?
Just enjoy it, learn from everyone, go to every exhibition and museum you can possibly get to.
How did you get involved in Bargain Hunt?
I was filmed as the auctioneer is my first salesroom in Bath - the rest they say is history.
Who has been your most memorable Bargain Hunt team?
Every team is very special, they are each so unique, so I couldn’t say as it would be unfair! So, for all the friends, couples, work colleagues, siblings - you make the show.
What has been your best ever Bargain Hunt find?
Well, I once found a Russian silver box in filigree. It was marked up as Middle Eastern silver in a cabinet, and I was so pleased to have found it and bought it for the team.
Which fairs do you particularly like shopping at when ‘Bargain Hunting’?
I have to say they all offer something different. I love Builth Wells, it’s such a friendly place - so beautiful and peaceful. We shopped in Ireland a long time ago and that was such fun, and the deals were amazing.
What’s the most profit / greatest loss you’ve made at auction?
One of my largest profits was a Royal Lancastrian bowl which I convinced the team to buy for £200 and it went on to make over £600! One of my funniest losses was early on in my Bargain Hunting career when I bought a toy cat for £90 and I’m very sorry to say it sold for £10!
What is your biggest guilty pleasure?
Skiing - it's the crisp blue sky, the peaked mountains, the squeak of fresh snow on your ski boots and the first run in the morning. My guiltiest pleasure, I just love it!
How do you spend your free time?
Firstly, spending time with my children. I also like to work out and I very much enjoy CrossFit.
Do you collect anything?
To be honest, no! I feel extremely lucky to love looking at antiques and knowing and passing that knowledge on. But the greatest days are when I’m up on the rostrum selling the collection.
Why do you think Bargain Hunt has such appeal?
It's always different. We choose different items and at the auction anything could happen - it’s pure drama!
Why would you encourage anyone to appear on Bargain Hunt?
I’m so lucky to be involved, we are a family that welcomes everyone! So come on in and join the party!
