Bargain Hunt: Expert gives valuation of Chinese Imperial vase
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Antique specialist Ben Cooper is a Bargain Hunt favourite, first appearing on the show back in 2014. On the classic daytime show, the collector also joins Caroline Hawley, Catherine Southon and Charles Hanson to name a few. With the help of industry experts, two teams go head-to-head in search of the best bargains while buying antiques and later selling them for a higher profit. In an interview with the BBC, Cooper spoke candidly about the many “embarrassing” losses he has acquired during his time on the show.
Cooper confessed: “Within Bargain Hunt, I have made many losses and fewer profits!”
He explained: “Most surprising profit was a deck chair but financially it was The Charles Horner Brooch.”
The star revealed that the vintage brooch, which he found in Edinburgh, sold for a huge profit of £100 which he claimed to be his “best ever find” on the show to date.
The TV host added: “Loss? I never remember those figures, but a few have been a little embarrassing!”
While Ben leads a rather private life away from the spotlight, the TV presenter praised the BBC show which he continues to feature regularly on.
Speaking to the BBC, He began: “Bargain Hunt endures by the nature of the format.
“With the fantastic large team of experts, and the varying presenters, let alone new contestants featuring in each programme, no two shows can be the same,” Ben gushed.
When asked about why he chose a career in antiques, the auctioneer replied: “I am the youngest of four boys, and when growing up my parents always encouraged us to learn, within that learning was antiques.”
Bargain Hunt host Natasha Raskin Sharp, who also joins presenters Charlie Ross, Anita Manning and Eric Knowles, had also detailed her introduction into the antique industry.
Initially, the TV star began her career running an art supply business with her father and contemporary artist Philip Raskin, shortly after the Glasgow auction house McTear invited her to sell his work.
During her time at McTear’s, the Flog It! star discovered her love for auctions, which has since shaped her career.
In a previous interview, Natasha explained: “I was gently nudged in the direction of the antique trade and auction houses by my dad, who thought that I’d be well-suited to the environment.”
Natasha continued: “Although I’d never normally admit it, he was absolutely right!”
Besides working on television, the Antiques Road Trip host also has her own weekly programme on BBC Radio Scotland.
Playing a selection of music mixes, the DJ seemingly enjoys her time in the limelight.
In 2016, the antique specialist tied the knot with TV producer and director Joe Sharp.
Joe, whose surname Natasha took upon marrying, is credited for producing The Great Hotel Escape and The Big Painting Challenge, as well as Antiques Road Trip – which Natasha was a part of.
Reportedly, the wedded couple resides in Glasgow, which is located close to Natasha’s parents.
Before making her big break, the BBC broadcaster had been scouted by a series producer whilst she was at an auction house in Scotland.
In 2015, the star was offered another opportunity to work on Antiques Road Trip, paving the way for future roles.
Bargain Hunt is available to watch on weekdays on BBC One.
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