Thursday, March 10, 2011

BBC Bargain Hunt - Kate Bliss biography



Kate Bliss is known to many from her appearances as an expert on BBC's Bargain Hunt.

Kate really does live and breathe the world of Antiques.

Kate admits to being a self-confessed antiques fanatic. Even when she holidays with her husband Jonathan, the couple often duck into a local antique or junk shop and buy something they don’t need!

Kate grew up in Hampton Bishop and then Dorstone at the head of the Golden Valley in Hereford.

Immersed in antiques from an early age while helping in her father’s saleroom, Kate did a stint of work experience at what was then Russell, Baldwin and Bright Auctioneers, where her father had also served his apprenticeship.

Bitten by the antiques bug she didn’t look back. She left the county for only three short years to study English Literature at Oxford before moving back to her rural roots to work where she feels most at home.

Kate says:
“I was green to the commercial side of things but it was the love of the objects that attracted me to the antiques business and auction houses are a great place to learn.

You’re at the sharp end of the market, handling different things every day and researching them. I love learning about the history and craftsmanship of these beautiful things and you get a real buzz conducting an auction up on the rostrum.”


After gaining over seven years experience on the rostrum, Kate specialised in jewellery and silver and became a fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain and is also an appointed Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain

Kate made her television debut after being spotted by the Bargain Hunt crew when they visited Brightwells auction house to film an episode of the programme, then presented by David Dickinson.

“It came completely out of the blue. While at Oxford I thought about going into either fine art or the media and it is quite uncanny how I now combine the two.” She says.

Kate says:
“I’m dumbstruck Bargain Hunt has carried on so long. When I started I thought it may last a couple of months. Tim Wonnacott (the show’s current presenter) who is a good friend of Kate’s has really helped to keep the viewing figures high.”

Kate has appeared on Flog It! Bargain Hunt, Antiques road trip, and Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.

In 2003 she set up her own antiques and fine art valuation business, Kate Bliss Valuation, based in Hereford, which she combines with her regular television appearances.



Jewellers Loupe only £6.99
See More Details and reviews