Timothy Wonnacott

Tim Wonnacott

(born 6 May 1953[1]) is a chartered auctioneer, chartered surveyor, English antiques expert, and a television presenter. He has been Director of one of the world's oldest auction houses, Sotheby's. Wonnacott is best known for his appearances as a presenter on BBC TV programmes, including Bargain Hunt. Wonnacott was born in Devon, England and on 15 August 2011, was given the key to the city of Plymouth.

Education

Wonnacott was educated at the independent West Buckland School in Devon, England, followed by a postgraduate course at the Victoria and Albert Museum in fine and decorative arts.

Professional career

His father was an auctioneer in South West England, so Wonnacott's ambition was to follow in his father's footsteps.[2] He is a fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and an associate of the Society of Valuers and Auctioneers.

Wonnacott joined Sotheby's in 1978, becoming a full Director in 1985. He was appointed sole chairman of Sotheby's South, based at Billingshurst, Sussex, and Sotheby's new saleroom in Olympia, London.

Wonnacott left Sotheby's in January 2003 after 25 years, in order to concentrate on media activities and, at the same time, started the fine art agency and brokerage business "Tim Wonnacott & Associates". The rationale of the business is for Wonnacott and his colleagues to provide independent advice to both buyers and sellers of antiques.

In October 2004 Wonnacott took part in what is believed to be the world's largest public art auction when 63 fibre-glass cows were put up for sale outside Manchester's Town Hall. Proceeds were to be donated to local charity, Manchester Kids.[3]

Television work

Wonnacott appears regularly as an expert on the Antiques Roadshow.

In July 2003, Wonnacott replaced David Dickinson as the daytime host of the popular BBC1 television programme, Bargain Hunt.[4] The original contract was for 30 shows, but this has been extended to over 350 shows in light of his appeal to viewers.

Wonnacott is also the narrator of the TV show Antiques Roadtrip. The concept involves two experts driving around the country in a vintage car visiting antiques shops and buying objects out of a starting budget of £200. The items that are purchased are sold by auction at the end of each episode with the resulting profits or losses rolled over until the road trip comes to an end, usually after 5 days- when the person with the most money is deemed the winner.

Other appearances include on BBC1's Restoration; The Divine Michelangelo; Test the Nation; Ready, Steady, Cook; This Morning; Top Gear; Going, Going, Gone; Going for a Song; Light Lunch; The Antiques Show; Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is; The Great Antiques Hunt; Buried Treasures; and Royal Upstairs Downstairs.

Personal life

Wonnacott was born and brought up in Devon, England.[5] His father was Major Raymond Wonnacott, a well-known local auctioneer. Tim had one brother, who died in the 1960s.[2]

Wonnacott used to live in Cheshire, and says that he is married with three children.[5] He ran Sotheby's operations in the North West.[5]

Wonnacott has helped raise money for many charities at auction, including the 'Cow Parade' auctions in London and the Isle of Man.[5]

References

^ "Tim Wonnacott - TV Personality and Antiques Expert Auctioneer". wonnacott.org. 15 April 2004. http://www.wonnacott.org/TVTim.htm. Retrieved 24 November 2011.
^ a b "Acclaimed property auctioneer dies at 88". This is Exeter. 29 October 2009. http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/Acclaimed-property-auctioneer-dies-88.... Retrieved 27 July 2012. ^ BBC News Cows awaiting the highest bidder October 5, 2004. Retrieved 2011-10-24 ^ Lisa Mitchell Is 50 the new 40?, BBC News, 6 May 2003. Retrieved 2011-12-16. ^ a b c d Tim Wonnacott & Associates About Tim Wonnacott (viewed 2011-10-24)