Eric Knowles is probably best known for his appearances across three decades on BBC Televisions Antiques Roadshow. He is also on our screens competing in the successful daytime antiques challenge ‘Put your money where your mouth is’
Having spent 36 years working for a top London auction house he now works as an independent valuer and lecturer from his base in the Chiltern Hills.

Over the years he has lectured extensively in many important museums and galleries not only in the UK but also Australia, Canada, the USA and South Africa.

He is the author of nine books covering subjects such as Victoriana, Royal Memorabilia, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Rene Lalique whilst a regular columnist for various magazines.

Recognised as the ‘Sunday Times’ antiques expert ,Eric is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and an ambassador for the Princes Trust as well as a patron of several other charities.

His after luncheon speaking calls upon a repertoire that might be classified as ‘infotainment’ being an eclectic mix of sound knowledge, observational humour and the odd shaggy dog story guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face.

Should this not be the case Eric recommends you consult your GP at your earliest convenience.

Writer and presenter Eric Knowles is one of the nation’s best known antiques experts who has shared his expertise with the BBC's ‘Antiques Roadshow’ and radio programmes for over 20 years, and has the rare skill of being able to convey his expertise in a manner that is both entertaining and informative.

My Talk Subject Matter ‘Confessions of an Auctioneer’

I always try to ‘look on the bright side of life’ and consequently my talk is a light hearted look at my journey through life – so far.

Yes it tends to centre around my career in the world of antiques but also takes into account my early years growing up in the Pennines of north east Lancashire and the characters I have encountered along the way. Despite having attended the Fred Dibner school of elocution, before graduating from the Russell Harty finishing school for hopeless cases, I reveal how I managed to make the cultural leap from Burnley to Bonhams and the BBC.

Roadshow and other anecdotal tales are offered alongside ad lib observational humour that invariably provide the desired effect especially when performed to an all female audience aged between 40 and then those just that little bit nearer to God.

I just hope that nobody actually dies laughing!