Episode 15

This week's experts

THOMAS PLANT

“Making a profit in antiques dealing requires knowledge, but also a lot of luck. You just have to hope the seller doesn’t know what they are selling.”

Thomas began as a TV antiques expert in the early days of Bargain Hunt, after a chance meeting with the programme team at a Bath auction house. He was the auctioneer for the featured auction and soon made the move to expert on the show.

After originally starting work in an auction house as a porter, by the time he left there seven years later he was head of the Ceramics, Works of Art and Decorative Arts department and the chief in-house valuer.

Thomas is a huge James Bond fan and has a keen interest in all-action sports including fencing.

PAUL LAIDLAW

With a interest in antiques that goes back to his childhood, Paul first started work at a local auction house after spending the majority of his free time there, watching the goings on. Ten years down the line, he runs the business (H&H Auction Rooms in Carlisle).

He loves all antiques, stating that "they're a direct link to the past," and has a particular passion for arms and armour.