Eric Knowles Net Worth, Wife, Age, Illness, Career and More

Eric Knowles is a respected British antiques expert, television presenter and decorative arts specialist known for his long-standing presence on BBC antiques programming. His career spans auctioneering, lecturing, writing and consultancy.

He remains one of the most recognisable public authorities on ceramics, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and heritage valuation. As of 2025, he continues to work independently while maintaining a legacy shaped by expertise, media visibility and decades of service in the antiques sector.

Quick Facts

Early Life of Eric Knowles

Eric Knowles was born on 19 February 1953 in Nelson, Lancashire. He grew up on a council estate in a working-class environment. His childhood did not involve antiques or the art world. Instead, it was shaped by modest surroundings that instilled practicality, discipline and curiosity.

A key turning point arrived during his teenage years when he began observing everyday craftsmanship. Industrial tools, household objects and decorative items sparked an interest in design. His early exposure came not from museums but from ordinary life. He later said his appreciation for ceramics and Art Nouveau grew through handling objects rather than studying theory.

He attended Nelson Secondary Technical School. After leaving school, he worked first in engineering. This period helped him gain a sense of precision and detail. He later joined a firm of antique shippers where he encountered rare ceramics and decorative items. The shipping job exposed him to high-value pieces and sparked the ambition that led him into the antiques world.

This practical introduction to antique objects became the foundation of his future career.

Career & Rise to Fame

Eric Knowles built a reputation through long-term dedication to the antiques trade. His expertise spans ceramics, Victorian decorative arts, Royal memorabilia, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and glass design. He is known for strong knowledge, clear communication and high valuation accuracy across historical items.

Entry into the World of Antiques

In 1976, he joined the London auction house Bonhams as a porter in the ceramics department. His work involved unpacking, carrying and preparing items for viewings. Handling thousands of pieces built his foundational understanding of texture, quality and condition.

His natural ability to identify ceramics quickly became recognised. By 1981, he became head of the ceramics department at Bonhams. This role involved valuations, cataloguing, client relations and international sales.

In 1992, he helped Bonhams expand by establishing offices in Bristol. His contribution increased the firm’s regional presence and strengthened client services.

He later returned to London to become Director of the Decorative Arts Department. This senior position involved leadership across multiple categories including:

• European ceramics
• Oriental ceramics
• Tiffany glass
• Lalique glass
• 19th and 20th century decorative arts

During this period, he became known as one of the UK’s most qualified experts in decorative and applied arts.

Television Career & Public Recognition

Eric Knowles became a household name through BBC television. His approachable manner made specialist topics easy for audiences to understand.

He gained national recognition through BBC Antiques Roadshow, where he served as a ceramics expert. His appearances increased public awareness of his knowledge and reliability.

Other major programmes included:

• Going for a Song
• Going Going Gone
• Noel’s House Party
• Call My Bluff
• 20th Century Roadshow

In 2010, he presented 20 episodes of Restoration Roadshow for BBC. He guided participants through the history and value of personal items.

He appeared on Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is between 2008 and 2010. He acted as challenge setter and adjudicator on Antiques Master alongside Sandi Toksvig.

He later became a guest presenter on Bargain Hunt after the departure of Tim Wonnacott. His presenting style matched the informal, engaging tone of the programme.

He also co-hosted Clash of the Collectables with Alan Carter.

These programmes solidified his position as one of the country’s most recognisable antiques personalities.

Roles & Honors in the Antiques World

Eric Knowles has received professional recognition across several institutions. His roles illustrate high credibility and longstanding contributions.

Key honours include:

• Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA)
• Freedom of the City of London (awarded in 2000)
• Ambassador for The Prince’s Trust
• Regular lecturer at the Victoria & Albert Museum
• Guest lecturer at the British Museum
• International lecturer in the US, Canada, Australia, South Africa, France, Germany and the Czech Republic

He has written extensively on Victoriana, Royal memorabilia, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and the works of René Lalique. His published work includes 100 Years of the Decorative Arts (2006).

He has also supported several charities including Headway, FABLE, New Mozart Orchestra and the Wycombe Scanappeal.

His influence extends across museum consulting, auction house advisory work and independent valuations.

Later Career — Independence, Business & Recent Developments

Eric Knowles transitioned from corporate roles into independent work in the late 2000s. He continued to build his reputation as a freelance expert with a wide audience.

Since 2009, he has operated as an independent valuer, lecturer and consultant. He offers private valuation appointments, heritage talks, charity events and historical presentations.

He became Chairman of The Hoard Ltd, a decorative arts and design emporium. The brand is associated with specialist retail, antique sourcing and collector engagement.

In July 2021, he accepted a non-executive directorship at ScottishAntiques.com. The appointment connected him to a major antiques marketplace in Royal Tunbridge Wells. He retired from the role in November 2023.

He continues to write articles, provide valuation services and support educational projects. His later career demonstrates adaptability and continued relevance in a changing antiques market.

Recent Years (2021–2025) & Current Status

In the last five years, Eric Knowles has maintained an active presence despite reducing corporate commitments.

Between 2021 and 2023, he was associated with ScottishAntiques.com as a non-executive director. His involvement helped strengthen brand credibility and expand decorative arts expertise.

After retiring from that position in 2023, he continued to focus on independent valuation, writing and public speaking. His work includes event appearances, museum collaborations and private consultancy.

Interviews in 2024 confirm he still resides in Buckinghamshire with his wife Anita. His home includes a private study filled with antiques, personal mementos and historical objects he has collected over decades.

As of 2025, he remains active professionally at age 71. He continues to engage with collectors, museums and media producers. His role has shifted from mainstream television to specialist consultancy and educational contributions.

What is Eric Knowles’s Net Worth?

There is no verified net worth figure for Eric Knowles.
Major financial publications including Forbes, Bloomberg and the Sunday Times Rich List have not published confirmed data.

Several online celebrity wealth websites list estimated figures in between £2-£5 Million, but none cite credible sources. These estimates are speculative and should not be treated as factual.

A responsible assessment of his earnings suggests that his income likely comes from:

• Television presenting
• Auction house roles
• Private valuations
• Book royalties
• Lecturing and public speaking
• Consultancy work
• Business activities with The Hoard Ltd

Because his career consists of freelance work rather than salaried corporate positions, his finances remain private.

The most accurate statement is that his net worth is not publicly disclosed, and any speculative figures online are unverified.

Personal Life & Relationships of Eric Knowles

Eric Knowles is married to his wife Anita. She has been described as supportive of his long career and has been involved in administrative roles connected to his business activities.

The couple have two sons, Oliver and Sebastian. In May 2015, their son Seb was killed in a motorway accident on the M40 in Buckinghamshire. The family has addressed the tragedy with privacy and dignity.

Knowles has spoken occasionally about personal objects and sentimental items in his home, including a gavel made from a childhood laburnum tree. He enjoys collecting pieces that hold emotional meaning rather than only financial value.

He continues to live a private domestic life, away from public controversy or tabloid scrutiny.

Controversies

Eric Knowles has maintained a clean public record.
There are no credible public controversies associated with him.

He has not been accused of misconduct, professional wrongdoing or public disputes. Media profiles and industry coverage describe him as respected, reliable and professional.

Any online rumours or claims are unverified and not supported by authoritative sources.

Eric Knowles Public Image and Legacy

Eric Knowles has built a trusted reputation over nearly five decades. His legacy includes several distinct contributions.

• Making antiques accessible to mainstream audiences
• Representing the decorative arts with accuracy and enthusiasm
• Raising public interest in ceramics, Art Nouveau and Art Deco
• Supporting museums through expert valuation
• Acting as a lecturer and educator on historical design
• Upholding professionalism in broadcasting and auctioneering
• Contributing to the charitable sector through various causes

He stands out for his combination of scholarship and broadcast accessibility. His on-screen presence demystified antiques for millions of viewers. He remains influential in how decorative arts are presented and understood in the UK.

Conclusion

Eric Knowles has spent almost fifty years shaping the antiques world through scholarship, broadcasting and public engagement. His rise from a council estate in Lancashire to senior auction house roles and national television reflects dedication and natural expertise.

His work with Bonhams established him as one of the UK’s most authoritative ceramics specialists. His television roles expanded his audience and created a legacy of trust and public education. His books, lectures and international work strengthened his standing in decorative arts.

Despite personal tragedy and the shift toward independent work, he remains active and respected. As of 2025, he continues to serve collectors, museums and the public through valuations, consultancy and educational contributions.

Eric Knowles’s career demonstrates longevity, credibility and commitment to heritage. His influence continues to shape the antiques community in the UK and beyond.

FAQs

Is Eric Knowles still on TV?
He appears occasionally but now works mainly as an independent valuer and lecturer.

How old is Eric Knowles?
He is 71 years old in 2025.

Who is Eric Knowles married to?
He is married to Anita Knowles.

What happened to Eric Knowles’s son?
His son Seb died in a road accident in 2015.

Is Eric Knowles retired?
He retired from his non-executive role in 2023 but continues freelance work.

What was Eric Knowles’s illness?
He was diagnosed with glandular fever after initial tests raised concern about leukaemia, but further medical investigation confirmed it was not cancer