Movie star Auctioneer Thomas Forrester has grow to be a well-recognized face on British tv, recognized for his experience on Cut price Hunt and Antiques Street Journey.
Thomas Forrester
With over twenty years within the trade, he has turned a ardour for antiques right into a profession that captivates hundreds of thousands.
Past TV, Thomas is Director and co-owner of Particular Public sale Companies in Newbury. From jewelry and tremendous artwork to movie memorabilia, his work has introduced him into contact with celebrities and collectors alike.
His data and persona have made him a standout within the public sale world.
On this unique interview with The Motivational Audio system Company, Thomas shares how he broke into tv by probability, the inspirations that formed him, and his high suggestions for recognizing actual bargains. His journey exhibits why he stays one of many UK’s most trusted consultants in antiques.
Q: You by no means deliberate to work in tv. How did a younger auctioneer from Tub find yourself on display screen and a part of Cut price Hunt’s historical past?
Thomas Forrester: “Purely by probability. I by no means needed to be on tv – I all the time needed to be an auctioneer. I used to be working for a sale room in Tub on the time as a really junior auctioneer, aged 26. Cut price Hunt came over us in 2000 and requested if we may accommodate them for our subsequent sale. My supervisor urged me.
“I met the producer, purchased myself a brand new shirt, tie and go well with, and when the filming day arrived, David Dickinson walked in along with his sartorial class. The remaining is historical past. I can’t watch these exhibits again – I used to be so impolite in regards to the objects individuals had purchased, it’s actually embarrassing.
“After the filming, I assumed nothing extra of it. A number of months later, the producers known as and stated they favored me as an skilled and requested if I’d be a part of Cut price Hunt. The remaining is historical past – 21 years later, I’m nonetheless right here.”
Q: These early visits to cattle auctions clearly left a mark. Which figures or experiences most impressed your transfer into antiques?
Thomas Forrester: “It ties into why I needed to be an auctioneer. My dad was a farmer and we used to farm cattle. I went with him to cattle auctions, and I used to be impressed by the auctioneers. They had been clear, well-dressed, and accountable for all the things, in contrast to the farmers in muddy overalls.
“I used to be very younger, about eight or 9. My dad as soon as advised me the auctioneer was most likely the richest man within the room – which wasn’t true, however it caught with me. I didn’t sit at residence watching Lovejoy, although I did watch the Antiques Roadshow.
“No one on TV immediately impressed me, however I assumed it seemed like a cool job. I didn’t need to promote cattle, so antiques appeared a pure selection as a result of I favored historical past and the humanities.”
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Q: Recognizing a hidden gem is each collector’s dream. What’s your high tip for recognising a real vintage cut price?
Thomas Forrester: “The hot button is to take a look at the standard. Are the proportions proper? Does the piece look right? For instance, with a classic teak sideboard, are the drawers and sliding doorways the proper measurement? High quality and proportion make an enormous distinction.
“Historical past and provenance additionally add worth. If one thing was owned by King George III, it’s going to be price greater than if it was owned by an unknown particular person. So my high tip is: use your eyes. Look fastidiously and don’t be led by your coronary heart.”
This unique interview with Thomas Forrester was performed by Megan Lupton of The Motivational Audio system Company.
