Jonathan Pratt
(Expert)
How do you find life on the road?
My role as an auctioneer has changed hugely over the years. Today, what I enjoy the most is working with my team on a large project, such as a house sale, where we have to build the narrative of the collection around the provenance, the house and the family, to promote the sale and to maximise the return to the client.
What is your favourite part of your role?
I love auctioneering. It is a time to show off and have fun. A good auctioneer can make a difference, much more than a computer algorithm can!
Why did you choose a career in antiques?
As a young boy I wanted to be a vet, but in 1986 the series Lovejoy started on the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ and that was that.
What would you do for a living if you weren’t working in the antiques trade?
I used to say I'd be a ski instructor but my back and knees wouldn't take it anymore. Now I'd be a garden designer.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to work in antiques?
Read about the subjects you love and have fun.
Who has been your most memorable Bargain Hunt team?
A couple of ladies that didn't listen to any of my advice. They rejected my bonus buy which made a £120 profit.
What has been your best ever Bargain Hunt find?
A chicken tea cosy, bought for £28 sold for over £200. I can't remember exactly how much now, it's so long ago!
Which fairs do you particularly like shopping at when ‘bargain hunting’?
I love Builth Wells as my Welsh grandad used to live down the road from there. It also has something for everyone.
What’s the most profit / greatest loss you’ve made at auction?
I once bought a poster for £180 while in Ireland and sold it for £2100. It was a 1930’s ski poster. On Bargain Hunt it was probably the chicken tea cosy again. Worst buy? Watch any of my appearances on the show.
What is your biggest guilty pleasure?
Skiing (more sedately) and plants, which I probably spend more money on these days.
How do you spend your free time?
Gardening, taxi driving the children, answering emails! I have also discovered the delights of playing croquet after buying a set at auction.
Do you collect anything?
A bit of everything; decorative antiques. Stuff to make the house look nice.
Why do you think Bargain Hunt has such appeal?
It’s a fantastic mixture of history and real-life characters in a game show format, with charismatic experts. What’s not to like?
Why would you encourage anyone to appear on Bargain Hunt?
Anyone who says ‘I could do better than that’ should apply!
