John Cameron
(Expert)
How do you find life on the road?
Life on the road can be long and tiring, especially after a full day filming. However, I love to travel and see new places, so it has its upsides.
What is your favourite part of your role?
My favourite part of my expert role is meeting and getting to know the contestants. They are usually, understandably nervous so it’s nice to reassure them and remind them to have fun.
Why did you choose a career in antiques?
I grew up around antiques as my grandfather was a dealer, however, on leaving school I served a five-year apprenticeship as a carpenter/joiner. As my £27.50 weekly YTS wages weren’t enough, I supplemented my income by stripping, restoring and waxing antique pine furniture which was very fashionable in the late 1980s. A re-occurring prolapse disc in my back forced me to give up my physical job and return to college where I undertook a three-year degree course at Southampton, studying fine art valuation. I followed this with two further years studying whilst working at an auction house to become a chartered surveyor of antiques and fine art.
What would you do for a living if you weren’t working in the antiques trade?
If I wasn’t working in the antiques trade, I would have loved to train as a chef. I am passionate about good food and wine, and love nothing more than watching cooking programmes over antiques programmes! Failing that, I would probably use my knowledge of carpentry and general building to renovate property.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to work in antiques?
The advice I would give to anyone considering a career in the antiques trade is, ‘you get out what you put in,’ so find a subject and read up. There are so many different areas to specialise in so one can never get bored.
How did you get involved in Bargain Hunt?
Previous to working on Bargain Hunt I appeared as an expert on two other Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ antiques shows - ‘Cash in the Attic’ and ‘Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.’
Who has been your most memorable Bargain Hunt team?
A mother and son team, Joy and Paul, have been my most memorable team as they were from near where I live, and were very relaxed and good fun to work with.
What has been your best ever Bargain Hunt find?
My best ever Bargain Hunt find was a Lalique glass Champagne cork. I’m a big fan of decorative art glass and love Champagne, but sadly it was something I couldn’t keep.
Which fairs do you particularly like shopping at when ‘bargain hunting’?
One of my favourite places for Bargain Hunt shopping is the Hungerford antiques centre where there are thousands of things to see and around a hundred dealers under one roof. The staff are also very helpful and friendly.
What is your biggest guilty pleasure?
My guilty pleasure is biscuits - there aren’t many I dislike and I’m a helpless dunker!
How do you spend your free time?
Running an auction house and valuation business means I have little spare time but when I’m off work I love to ride one of my vintage 1960s Italian Lambretta scooters.
Do you collect anything?
I love militaria and maritime collectables but don’t collect anything specific. I love to buy items with a story. In fact, for me the story is as important as the item.
Why do you think Bargain Hunt has such appeal?
I think Bargain Hunt has remained popular as the show is really about the contributors rather than the experts, so each episode is different. The format of buying from a fair and selling at auction is also very challenging, adding an element of genuine jeopardy.
Why would you encourage anyone to appear on Bargain Hunt?
People often tell me they would love to ‘have a go’ and get involved with the antiques trade. Appearing on Bargain Hunt is a great way to take the plunge, and test your knowledge and buying skills.
