Caroline Hawley

What’s it like to be part of the Bargain Hunt presenting team?

I am thrilled and honoured to be part of the Bargain Hunt presenting team. It is fantastic to have this amazing role within the Bargain Hunt family where I have been an expert for many years. It is a challenge which I have taken to, with relish!

It is the best fun ever to spend time with talented experts and crew, and fabulous, enthusiastic teams all on the hunt for bargains.

How do you find life on the road?

Life on the road is a joy with no two days the same. I throw my clothes into the boot, (rather too many sometimes, having to be prepared for the unpredictable British climate) tune in to BBC Radio 4 and away I go. I love finding my way around the country, on occasion ending up in a farmer’s field when I have missed a turning (navigation not being my strong point)!

What is the favourite part of your role?

I really love meeting people who have a passion for what they do, and visiting often undiscovered places and unexpected collections. I think that this is due in part to my innate nosey nature! It is a real pleasure to be able to share these hidden gems with the viewers.

Why did you choose a career in antiques?

I don’t really feel I chose a career in antiques - it chose me! It seemed a natural and obvious path to take, turning my interest into my vocation. There was never any other serious contender. I have enjoyed enormously and continue to enjoy every aspect of my career. Every day is different, unearthing unusual and beautiful objects, and meeting new people, each with a story to tell. I still continue to learn something each and every day. I really feel incredibly lucky and couldn’t imagine wanting to do anything else!

What would you do for a living if you weren’t working in the antiques trade?

I think that archaeology would be fascinating but probably a little too slow and painstaking for me. I would want to dive in and unearth everything in double quick time; patience not being a virtue of mine! If I were allowed a second choice it would to be a fashion designer, living and working in Paris!

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to work in antiques?

I would say just do it! If you do what you enjoy and are passionate about it, it will never feel like work. Focus on an area of particular interest to you and learn as much as you possibly can. Auction viewings are great places to handle and examine things. Read as much as you can but nothing beats hands-on examination. Knowledge is power and could enable you to spot that hidden gem, which others may overlook.

How did you get involved in Bargain Hunt?

I first got involved in Bargain Hunt in the summer of 2013 after already working on the BBC’s Flog It! for a year. My first programme was from my home county at Wetherby racecourse. It was a natural environment for me, the only difference being I had a great team with me and a wonderful camera crew capturing every moment!

Who has been your most memorable Bargain Hunt team?

I have had the pleasure over the years of working with some amazing teams, two spring to mind: one dad and daughter duo. The daughter’s job title was ‘Princess’. They spent nearly all their £300 on some great items, including a silver cup and saucer, just perfect for a princess! I managed to find a silver charm in the form of a knight’s helmet with my £1 ‘left over lolly’. They were delighted when it went on to make a tidy profit.

On a BBC Sport Relief Special at Newmarket racecourse, I was lucky enough to work with Olympians Tessa Sanderson and Iwan Thomas. We were up against Danny Sebastian, and sports broadcasters John Watson and Manish Bhasin. All teams are competitive, but Olympians must have competition in their DNA! We had huge fun and all for a good cause.

What has been your best ever Bargain Hunt find?

A ceramic toast rack from the 1851 Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace bought for £1 and sold at Catherine Southon’s auction not far from its origins for £50!

Which fairs do you particularly like shopping at when ‘bargain hunting’?

I can’t think of any fairs I don’t like shopping at! I have had such fun at all of them over the years. If I had to choose… Newark fair always holds a very special place in my heart. It is huge and impossible to get around it all in one hour, but it has such variety and great characters in abundance. Builth Wells in Mid Wales is situated in such a beautiful location, surrounded by hills and has super-friendly stall holders. Edinburgh, the National Botanic Garden of Wales, Wetherby, Newmarket and Epsom racecourses, Ardingly, I could go on… I love them all!

What’s the most profit/greatest loss made at auction?

A chandelier in the form of a hot air balloon soared at auction to quadruple its purchase price of £60. My greatest loss is possibly a pair of Arts and Crafts iron and copper candle stands bought at Anglesey. Although not marked, I thought they had a look of the designer W.A.S. Benson. They want on to lose big at auction. I loved them but it turned out that I was their only admirer on the day.

What is your biggest guilty pleasure?

A large mint chocolate chip ice cream at the end of a long walk with my dog.

How do you spend your free time?

I spend my free time browsing around vide-greniers and brocantes in rural Normandy or at home in Yorkshire. I also love long coastal walks with my dog and enjoy Zumba, yoga and Pilates classes when I get the chance!

Do you collect anything?

I don’t actually collect any one thing; my home has an eclectic mix of antiques, curios, memories and mementoes, oh, and multiple overladen wardrobes of vintage and other clothes including over 30 little black dresses!

Why do you think Bargain Hunt has such appeal?

I think that Bargain Hunt has enduring and universal appeal as it is always fun, informative and has a good dose of jeopardy! The energy and passion of the teams are infectious as viewers accompany them on their journey, sharing in both their successes and disappointments. Bargain Hunt appeals to the young and not so young, as hunting for your own bargain is accessible to everyone.

Why would you encourage anyone to appear on Bargain Hunt?

Please don’t just sit and shout at your television that you can do better, come and show us! The Bargain Hunt experience is amazing from start to finish, and you may even get to win a coveted golden gavel! I can promise you that you will have a very warm welcome and an experience never to be forgotten!