David Harper
Presenter
What’s it like to be part of the Bargain Hunt presenting team?
A great privilege and such fun.
How do you find life on the road?
Hotels lost any glamorous appeal many years ago but getting up early, meeting the team and heading off to the fair or auction is always exciting.
What is the favourite part of your role?
Definitely the interaction, the humour and spontaneity from the contestants.
Why did you choose a career in antiques?
I was brought up around antiques and from as early as I can remember, I’ve had a fascination with ancient objects and their connections to real people from times long forgotten.
What would you do for a living if you weren’t working in the antiques trade?
Probably something to do with classic cars (another passion) or I’d move to Africa and run an animal sanctuary.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to work in antiques?
Stick only to what you love. That way learning is easy and fun.
How did you get involved in Bargain Hunt?
I was asked to be an expert in 2005 after several years presenting antiques shows on the radio.
Who has been your most memorable Bargain Hunt team?
Oh, that’s impossible to answer! I’ve had so many fantastic experiences and funny, memorable moments with teams over the years I couldn’t possibly pick one.
What has been your best ever Bargain Hunt find?
A damaged Tiffany enamel ashtray. No one else bought it because of what it was and its damage. But it made a great profit!
Which fairs do you particularly like shopping at when ‘bargain hunting’?
Newark is always a great day out.
What’s the most profit/greatest loss made at auction?
I think my greatest profit might just outdo my greatest loss - but probably around £200!
What is your biggest guilty pleasure?
Taking the dog to sit by the river and watch nature, the water and the world go by at its own pace.
How do you spend your free time?
I enjoy days out visiting cathedrals and other historic places.
Do you collect anything?
Only stories I gain from antique objects. It’s the history they tell that interests me more than anything else - which is why I write history books based around the tales I’ve discovered handling antiques!
Why do you think Bargain Hunt has such appeal?
Everyone I meet plays along at home and are addicted to it!
Why would you encourage anyone to appear on Bargain Hunt?
It’s something they’ll never forget taking part in.
