| Tim Wonnacott | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1953 (age 58–59) Barnstaple, Devon, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Occupation | Broadcaster, antiques expert |
| Television | |
| Awards | Key to the city of Plymouth |
| Website | |
| www.timwonnacott.com | |
Tim Wonnacott (born 1953[1], Barnstaple, Devon, England[2][3]) is a Chartered Auctioneer, Chartered Surveyor English antiques expert, 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, he was given the key to the city of Plymouth.
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Wonnacott was educated at the independent West Buckland School in Devon, followed by a postgraduate course at the Victoria and Albert Museum in Fine and Decorative Arts.
Both his father and grandfather were auctioneers in the South West, so his ambition was to be an auctioneer. 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.[4]
Wonnacott has appeared 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. The original contract was for 30 shows, but this has been extended to over 350 shows in light of his appeal to viewers.
Wonnacott also appeared as the host of the TV show Antiques Roadtrip. The concept involves two competing experts in each show buying objects which will be sold at auction in the hope of profits. The result is carried forward to the next show until one has proved to be 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.
Wonnacott was born and brought up in Devon, England.[5] He had one brother, who is now deceased.[6]
Married with three children, two of whom attended Eton College, Wonnacott used to live in the town of Macclesfield, Cheshire, from where he ran Sotheby's operations in the North West.
Wonnacott has helped many charities over the years to raise money at auction, the most successful of which was the London 'Cow Parade' auction held in Autumn 2002, which raised over £400,000 for Childline. Wonnacott conducted another auction for Cow Parade in the Isle of Man in the presence of Prince Andrew which made over £110,000. On three occasions, he has conducted auctions for Cherie Blair at Chequers, the Prime Minister's Buckinghamshire country house, supporting charities including Refuge and Breast Cancer Care.