Get to know Auctioneer Thomas Forrester

On Wednesday 11 September we will be hosting an evening with well-known auctioneer Thomas Forrester, BBC Presenter of Bargain Hunt and Director of Special Auction Services at a one-off benefit event for the Old Library Campaign.

We spoke to Thomas ahead of the event to get to know a bit more about him and his day-to-day life as an auctioneer.

What is your favourite book?

Lord of the Rings all three books. And of course The Hobbit!

What do you do to relax?

I fence – my weapon is called a sabre. This is how I spend my down time.

What is your favourite food to eat when you are out on the road?

In my opinion nothing beats a good fish and chips.

What do you listen to when driving round the country looking for antiques?

Well I must admit I have a very broad taste in music and the arts. You can find me listening to anything from Labi Siffre, to The sound of Philly (disco). I enjoy soundtracks, especially Hans Zimmer. Divine Comedy, Queen, Mozart and Jean Sibelius. However, I love an audiobook most. At the moment I’m listening to The Wisemans Fear book two of The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss!

What does a typical day at work look like?

My days are varied. I could be visiting clients in the local area, or off on a valuation day and then at the salesroom at SAS for either auction day on a Tuesday, or our valuation day on a Wednesday.

What is your favourite part of being an auctioneer?

No day is the same. It’s the variety we all love, the thrill of the chase and then when the hammer falls the satisfaction that you’ve done a great job for your client!

Is there one item you have sold that you would love to own?

Plenty to be honest but that’s another story. I’m not a hoarder, I've seen too much of that to want anything too much now. My mantra is it will ‘never love you back’!

Tickets for An Old Library Fundraising Evening with Thomas Forrester are now on sale to Members. Tickets will go on general sale on Tuesday 21 May at 10am. Find out more or book here.