INTERVIEW: Anita Manning, Queen of the Auctions
She’s a familiar face to viewers of Bargain Hunt, Flogit! and the Antiques Road Trip - and her TV career began when she was in her 50s.
Posted by Elderjuice
on May 8, 2012. Filed under Editor's Picks,Lifestyle.
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Anita Manning at the Great Western Auctions in Glasgow (photo by elderjuice)
The day Anita Manning walked into a second-hand furniture and antiques warehouse to buy a bed for her three-year son, her life changed forever.
It was the 1970s and times were tough. As she pulled out her purse to hand the dealer £3 for the bed, she noticed some boxes of bric-a-brac under his desk.
“I told him that it must be wonderful to work with beautiful objects, and he told me he was looking for a buyer, then asked, ‘Do you want to work for me?’ So I said ‘yes’. It was simple as that.”
‘I’ve always been fascinated by old objects’
At the time, Anita was teaching dance and PE part-time, while raising two toddlers. But she faced this new challenge with relish. “I loved doing the job,” she says.” I travelled all over the country in a big three-ton van buying up stuff in auctions.”
It helped that she had always been fascinated by old and beautiful objects.
“As a girl, I was very fond of my granny, and I loved being around her house. I loved the rich red colour of her mahogany furniture. I loved the yellowing keys of her old piano. I even loved the old Hielan’ Cattle looking down at you from the picture rails.
“I suppose I was interested because of the history behind these items. They told me stories. And I also took great pleasure in handling the objects.”
Anita was smitten. For years, she made a living by trekking round auctions, buying and selling goods on a small scale while raising a family. “I was happy enough twirling all the plates, as women do.”
Life-changing decision
At the age of 40, her life would take another turn. Her daughter Lala had just left school and decided she wanted to get out to work, to earn some money, to leap straight into life.
“But it was the Margaret Thatcher era and there weren’t many jobs for young people. So she said to me, ‘Why don’t we start up our own auction? You know all the stuff – and I’ll keep the accounts’. ”
This forced Anita to make a life-changing decision.
“Sometimes in life you’re faced with stark choices – do you take a leap into the unknown, or do you keep doing the same thing that you’re used to doing and that you know you’ll always be able to make a living from?”
Anita had attended plenty of auctions over the years, but she had never run a business. “I had never managed anything before, except my own crazy family. But I was always a great one for taking chances.”
In 1989, she and her daughter launched Great Western Auctions in Glasgow. Back then, the antiques trade was heavily male-dominated, and female auctioneers were as rare as white blackbirds.
“People just didn’t think women could do it. The auctioneer was in a commanding, conducting position, so there was a sense that maybe it wasn’t a woman’s place to be up there.”
Anita now laughs at some of her own early mistakes. “Just before my first sale, an auctioneer came to visit and told me that you don’t start with 400 lots – you start with 20. Aaarrgh!”
‘It’s like theatre without a script’
From the first day, she knew that she had made the right decision. “I had a background in debating and public speaking, and I had been a teacher, so I wasn’t afraid of standing up in front of people and talking.”
Anita admits she gets a buzz from the drama and excitement of a sale. “It’s like theatre, but without a script and with no predictable outcome.Your job is to market objects as well as you can. You have to bring all your skills and personality into the role. It’s not just about the voice.
“I like to bring in humour and give the customers a good day so that whatever they buy, they’ll go away and say ‘I really enjoyed myself today’. Going to an auction should be a memorable experience.
“It’s not like going to a High Street store, where everything is priced £29.99 or whatever. Auctions are exciting events for buyers – there’s always an adrenalin rush.”
Now based in an old Baptist Church that was built in 1885, Great Western Auctions has risen to become one of the top auction houses in the land. They now have four auctioneers, including her daughter Lala, as well as back-up staff.
Starting a TV career at 50
Anita acknowledges that her frequent TV appearances have raised her profile and reputation. Her customers now come from far and wide – indeed, with a thriving online operation, people bid from all over the world on auction day.
At a time when older women are notoriously under-represented on TV, Anita has succeeded in swimming against the stream. Over 50 when she made her first onscreen appearance, her TV career is still going strong 12 years later.
She was first discovered when the BBC roadshow Flogit! came to the Great Western Auctions. She made an instant impact. Three weeks after the programme was shot, the series producer phoned Anita and asked her to become one of the regular on-screen experts who examine the items and offer an evaluation.
“I said, ‘well … I don’t know. Let me think about it’. They got back to me three times before I finally agreed. I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to travel around the UK, seeing new places, meeting new people, telling stories and listening to other people’s stories.”
She was later signed up for Bargain Hunt, then became a regular on the Antiques Road Trip, the hugely successful BBC 2 show.
For a while, she had a regular weekly slot on the now defunct Scottish Television programme, The Hour. She’s even been sent to Iceland to present a TV travel programme.
It does help that she’s attractive, stylish and articulate, with a touch of the charisma and flamboyance that the cameras adore.
‘An auctioneer will get you the highest possible price’
What would she suggest to those of us who might have some old family treasure stashed away, and want to sell it?
Last year, Anita wrote an article for elderjuice about what to look for in an old object – the hallmarks, the backstamps and the other clues that can give you an idea of an idea of its age and rarity. So what next?
“My best advice is take it to an auctioneer and get it valued. An auctioneer acts as the agent for the seller, so it’s in the auctioneer’s interest to get the highest price possible for you, because the higher it sells, the more commission we get.
“You’d want to go for an auction that will give you the best possible marketing possibility.”
She diplomatically refrains from plugging Great Western Auctions, though she does illustrate the point with anecdotes from her own experience.
On one occasion, a local woman asked for a valuation of an old writing bureau she’d been given by a deceased neighbour.
“The woman had a disabled son and had to move house, but there no room for the bureau. One of my valuers looked at it and estimated that it could fetch three to four thousand pounds.
“The woman had no idea it was worth that kind of money – she just couldn’t believe it. So it came to auction and she was sitting there in the front row. It sold for £10,000.
“Can you imagine the joy of being able to help this woman, who might easily have just thrown the bureau out?”
‘The more you do, the more energy you have’
A large of part of Anita’s appeal is that she not just some cold-hearted business shark, obsessed with the bottom line. Her humanity shines through, and she’s comfortable in her own skin.
“I like the idea of being a Scot, I like being a woman – and I like being mature.”
She’s also defiant in the face of the enemy of we all have to deal with – Old Father Time.
“I think that the more you do, the more energy you have. No longer do you reach a certain age and then it’s time to sit down and do your knitting.
“This over-sixties generation is different from the generation before. We want to get out and do things and because of better nutrition and living conditions, we’re healthier.”
Anita’s zest and passion for life and work is inspirational, and, although she admits to being well past pension age, she’s not about to hang up her hammer any time soon.
More from Anita Manning
- An Auctioneer’s Lot – Anita Manning’s passion
- Anita Manning’s charity road trip
- Scotland’s First Minister joins Anita Manning for charity auction
Want more updates on celebrities, news, writing and special offers? Elderjuice.com is the premier portal for readers just like you, so why not sign up to get more?
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43 Responses to INTERVIEW: Anita Manning, Queen of the Auctions
Leave a Reply
Jayne
May 14, 2012 at 7:11 pm
Anita is so charasmatic. She just lights up the day when I see her on the ever dreary TV .
I bet she would be a total hoot as a dinner guest.
Long may we keep seeing her on the box.
mags
May 15, 2012 at 2:17 pm
I REALLY ENJOY WATCHING ANITA. A JOY TO BEHOLD EVEN WHEN SHE IS LOSING,
Pamela Sims
May 30, 2012 at 1:55 pm
I have a fur coat and am looking to sell it. It is three-quarter and is a musquash. I also have a fur cape which is mink. Can you let me know what I can expect? I did email you before but never received a reply.
Pam
Deni
June 6, 2012 at 5:06 pm
Hi Anita….you have led me to distraction …. I admire you and even though I am at work throughout the day, I sky record all the Roadshows and such that you and your fellow ‘experts’ appear in, and watch them later in the evening on my return, my frustration is that I notice that you wear a smart unusual necklace on a regular basis, almost your trade mark – the multi coloured tiled necklace is realy a statement piece and I have searched everywhere for one simular, but to no avail Please please tell me the maker and then for sure I will purchase one (or hubby as I have a birthday coming up) – Keep up the Good Work and thanks – Deni
Kathleen Holland
March 24, 2013 at 2:37 pm
I would like to know where she had her lovely necklace from
Shaun David Evans
June 6, 2012 at 11:01 pm
Hi Anita,
I’ve seen you several times on Bargain Hunt. Thank you for pleasant, happy manner. I realise there are several factors involved in a win / loss but either way you have a smile. As an Aussie fan I say “keep it up”.
janet farquharson
June 12, 2012 at 4:37 pm
Just wanted to say how great it is to see someone with an expert knowledge on almost everything especially the Scottish stuff. Do you do valuations as I would love to send a very Scottish item to you it is more clan related than just a Scottish item. We think you are wonderful and are always watching you whenever we can.
Al Whittle
July 7, 2012 at 9:08 pm
I love Anita manning, and I’ve written this song for her.
http://soundcloud.com/denise_whittle/lovesong-for-anita-manning
Pauline Le Grove
July 9, 2012 at 1:06 pm
Like u very much and enjoy watchiing u on tv
Kay Watmough
July 10, 2012 at 5:18 pm
I met Anita in the tea room at Paxton House in Scotland,in April, she was doing a piece for the Antiques Road Show. Any idea when this will be shown on tv? Lovely lady and kindly had her photo taken with me.
Barbara Giliam
July 12, 2012 at 1:22 pm
Anita is such an upbeat personality that you can’t help but be inspired. I am also genuinely surprised at her being past pension age! I thought she was about 10 years younger! Keep smiling everyone, it’s the elixer of youth!
Eileen Dorning
July 26, 2012 at 10:44 am
Really enjoy seeing you on Bargain Hunt, you always are so kind,I read you article tonight and was so impressed. I love antiques and love to see Owls as I am a collector of them I have 800 pieces in all shapes, materials and sizes. I even found a cuckoo clock with Owls on top, I love it, and a 4 piece brass fireside set with Owls on each piece. I hav recently moved ino my new home we built and have no fireplace nw, but I makes an interesting talking piece. Look forward to seeing you again soon…Eileen Pakenham Victoria Australia..
jolien
July 30, 2012 at 10:03 pm
Ik ben dol op de Engelse antiekprogramma’s,wil zelfs de herhalingen niet missen.
Was deze week werkelijk van slag na het nieuws van het overlijden van David Barbey.
Een van mijn lievelingen is beslist Anita.
Elderjuice
July 30, 2012 at 10:18 pm
Hi Jolien
I’ll reply in engels – you obviously understand it, but our Nederlands is too bad (reading is so much easier than writing). The news about David Barbey was a bit of a shock to everyone – completely unexpected – he will be sorely missed. Glad you enjoy the antique shows featuring Anita though.
Bud Cooper
August 16, 2012 at 2:08 pm
Anita is wonderful! She is such a happy personality that watching her makes me feel happy too. It is so nice to see someone so at peace with herself in today’s troubled times. Keep going, old girl!!
Andrea Pedersen
August 19, 2012 at 7:37 pm
I have only had BBC lifetime a short time.” This comes from Denmark”
I really enjoy to look Bargain hunt and especialy when it is Anita Manning wauw what a woman, the best auctioneer I have ever seen.Fantastic humor and interest for the customers.
Kind regards to you.
And Tim Wonnacot.
Anne Taylor
September 20, 2012 at 3:32 am
I love watching Bargain Hunt when Anita is one of the experts (my other favourite is Jonathan) It is great to see a woman as an auctioneer and I love watching her at work. Another positive note is that she is totally herself and happy in her own skin. And you can see that she enjoys her work.
Elderjuice
September 20, 2012 at 7:34 am
Thank you for your comment Anne! We have more about Anita and her extraordinary life story coming up soon.
margaret
September 28, 2012 at 5:12 pm
i absoloutly love anita she makes me laugh when she is the auctionear she gets so excited she nesrly comes over the top of the pedestal.i loved david barby when they were together it was good i was really shocked to here of his death,he was so easy going,rip david.keep up the good work anita you are good viewing.
susan pilkington
September 29, 2012 at 8:03 am
absolutely love watching anita.there is something magnetic about this tiny woma, with her beautiful accent.
Annie baxter
October 3, 2012 at 7:34 pm
I love A nota she lights jo my day. How ol d is she.
Franklyn Harding
October 5, 2012 at 5:45 pm
i just love her smile.always looking out for her
Rita Leach
October 5, 2012 at 6:21 pm
One day I WILL attend one of your auctions – they look great fun and entertainment. Regards
Sally
October 10, 2012 at 1:09 pm
If I ever had anything to sell it would go to Anita she is amazing and an inspiration at getting the best price , she also has such wonderful humour
Christine
October 15, 2012 at 3:15 pm
Hello Anita,
From nowhere you came to me in a dream (15.10.’12).
I had not been watching anything which you were appearing in yesterday or for a few weeks for that matter, so couldn’t understand why.
I was sitting in an audience type situation, but outside in a country market town type situation. You were sitting facing everyone on a park bench type seat looking at everyone and smiling, just anonymously, as if you were enjoying looking at everyone. I caught your eye as an old friend might and just said how much I always enjoyed watching you whenever you appear on television and thankyou and that you are charming – you wiped a tear from your eye in modest gratitude.
End of dream.
All the best to you and your family. You are an inspiration.
Kindest Thoughts – Christine
Sylvia Hilliard
October 18, 2012 at 7:22 pm
Like one of the emails above, I also am fascinated by Anita’s necklaces. Particularly the one with the square coloured tiles. I would love to know where I can get one. Any information would be much appreciated.
I am also a pensioner and love watching Anita – keep up the good work, she makes everyone smile!
Penny
October 20, 2012 at 10:55 pm
Anita is an inspiration to me as we are about the same age. I love her style and her sense of fun, I especially like the necklace that she wears with the coloured square stones. Thank you Anita for the fun you share with me on your road trips.
Marion McNab
October 29, 2012 at 8:42 pm
Does your Auction House do home visits for valuations on several items ?
Elderjuice
October 29, 2012 at 9:28 pm
Hi Marion – Have a look online for Great Western Auctions, Glasgow. Hope that helps!
Graham Lester-Smith
November 8, 2012 at 1:31 pm
I watch most of the “antique” type programs,but my absolute favourites are those with Anita manning,especially when she is the auctioneer.She always seems to increase the bids by £10 per bid,and so gets her sellers the very best prices.If ever I visit Glasgow I will bring any antiques I have to the Great Western.Keep up the good work Anita,you make the program’s in which you appear so very watchable.
vicky
November 23, 2012 at 12:55 pm
hi watching bh now and anita she is about my age and i wish i looked liked her.great personality . cant do sales car boots etc as in wheelchair now but used to and i take a great interest in them ps i knit lol
Roger Yardley
November 30, 2012 at 7:10 pm
Can you please tell me where Anita’s necklaces come from especially the square stone one
jenny farnsworth
December 11, 2012 at 2:55 pm
seems we all would like to know where the necklace with the coloured squares is from …
Pamela Robinson
February 15, 2013 at 7:23 pm
I am another lady that thinks Auctins are “Pure Theatre” . Just watched you on Flog it Trade Secrets. I also would love to know where you got your necklaces from.
Daryl Barnaby
February 20, 2013 at 7:10 pm
Hi Anita, just wanted to send you a genuine compliment, your manner with people on the television, and your looks, make you a very attractive woman indeed, and long may you remain so, best regards, Daryl.
Helena Swords
February 22, 2013 at 11:02 am
I love Anita’s eclectic dress style. Her colour sense.
I am of the same age (I’m guessing) and she gives me ideas. I love the way she wears classic basics and adds things to that. I hope to travel to one of her auctions soon. Long may she reign.
Bernard Armitage
February 22, 2013 at 7:16 pm
Like an earlier reader my wife admires every night the tiled necklace Anita wears. I would love to know where she bought it so I can surprise my wife with one similar. Anita brings a lovely warmth to every show she presents,
Bernard Armitage
Catherine Hounslow
February 22, 2013 at 8:10 pm
I think Anita is one of the most stylish woman on
television -she seems to have a individualistic style
and a great sense of colour . Where does she get those necklaces!
Jessie G.findlay
March 9, 2013 at 2:05 pm
How do I find out the value of an item I have? can I send a letter with a photo of it and marking details.
I am not able to travel around to qntique places.
Thank you
Jessie
james morris
March 9, 2013 at 3:32 pm
i am a retired gentleman who likes watching bargain hunt while having my lunch, and i love it when anita is on the show either as aguide for 2 contestants or better still auctioneering.i think she mesmerisers her audience of buyers with her enthusiastic desciptions of her sale items therefore tempting them to pay that little extra. i first thought it was because her audience where better off than others in different auction houses butt on reflection no it entirely due to anitas charm and vibrant personality. she is the woman you would like to wake up beside every morning. love you anita ///
pauline
April 6, 2013 at 4:00 pm
hi anita i love watching you on tv i olso love the neckless you wear evry one i know looks out for me but have come up with nothing keep up your good work regards pauline x
Barbara Spratling
April 12, 2013 at 1:13 pm
Hi Anita, I am another fan of yours from Australia.
We are still a couple of years behind but we just love Bargain Hunt. We also comment on your unusua
l stone square necklace. You are really good on your valuations, keep up the good work,
Regards Barbara
Lin Blackburn
May 13, 2013 at 1:45 pm
My friend and I love watching you as both an expert and auctioneer. Our favourite is definitely watching you as auctioneer, you always do your best to get the best possible money. Watching you as auctioneer is pure theatre. Love your style, keep it up, Anita.