Eric Knowles

As well as being a recognised expert in his chosen field, Eric Knowles is now a well-known face in the world of antiques, particularly to viewers of the BBC's 'Antiques Road Show'.

He appears to be one of those rare individuals who is able to share his considerable knowledge in a way that is exciting and easy to understand. He was born in Nelson in 1953 and worked in both engineering and for a firm of antique shippers in the early 1970s. His love of antiques, inherited from his parents, came to the fore in 1976 when he joined Bonhams, the London auctioneers, working first as a porter in the ceramics department, becoming head of department in 1981.

His rise to the top was swift and in 1985 he was offered a full directorship. As a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, Eric Knowles has become a leading authority in the following fields: European and Oriental Ceramics from the seventeenth to the twentieth century; the glass of Tiffany and Lalique; and nineteenth and twentieth century decorative arts. He was also responsible for Bonham's internationally renowned sales of Lalique glass. Today he looks after museum liaison and several of his finds can now be seen in national museums.

Eric Knowles became a regular TV face in the 1990s. His appearances include 'Crimewatch UK', 'Selling the Family Silver', 'Going for a Song', 'The Great Antiques Hunt', 'The Antiques Inspectors', 'It's a Gift', 'You Can't Take It With You', 'Jim Davidson's Generation Game', 'Countdown' and the 'Jimmy Young Show' on Radio 2.

 As well as presenting and appearing on radio and TV, he has written books on subjects such as Victoriana, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Royal Memorabilia. 10 years ago the famous pottery of Royal Doulton launched the Eric Knowles character jug. He remains a frequent contributor to the BBC 'Homes and Antiques' magazine and Collect it! and is antiques expert for The Sunday Times.

Eric has lectured extensively in the UK at such renowned museums as the Victoria and Albert and the British Museum and he has also lectured in both the USA and Canada. He is a patron of several charities and is an ambassador for the Princes Trust.

Eric is also called upon to present the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards at Buckingham or St. James' Palace.

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