One of the nation’s best loved and most recognisable auctioneers, James Lewis has not only proven himself a talented authority in the rostrum but a natural media personality too. Known for his position as the long-standing first choice auctioneer for the BBC, and his award-winning selling tactics in front of a crowd, James has established his reputation across every available platform. Booked for corporate occasions and charity fundraisers, James’ outgoing personality and humorous touch to proceedings enhances the sales of every event he attends.
The favourite frontman of BBC’s Flog It, James has spent over two decades engaging crowds in the purchase of antiques and has made numerous appearances on similar specialist series including Antiques Road Trip, which won a BAFTA award. Backed by over thirty years of experience, James has been seen bringing down the gavel on everything from unique statues to antique paintings across Bargain Hunt, Cash in the Attic and Trade Secrets. With such a vibrant personality, James builds an instant rapport with every audience of his auctions, on screen and in-person, ensuring an enjoyable occasion and maximum sales.
Starting his career in Nottingham at Neales, James gained his degree in fine art and auctioneering leading him to establish specialism in porcelain, ceramics, and paintings. Having established his reputation in the auction room, James has since founded Bamfords Auctioneers and Valuers based in Derbyshire, where he remains as the highly successful Director.
Named UK Auctioneer of the Year on two consecutive occasions, James’ ability to entertain crowds whilst maintain maximum sales ensures his award-winning status. Additionally, James has also secured a Guinness World Record for the longest auction by a single auctioneer in 2019 when he held the gavel for 24 hours and 6 minutes, another achievement in the name of charity for James. Currently, alongside his work as an advisor to the British Government on antiques, James is sought after to front numerous events as a famous face and a sales driving auctioneer.
How to hire James Lewis
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring James Lewis for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
When he's at corporate events, James is known to cover the following topics:
- Fake or fortune
- The addiction of antiques (antiques relating to tea and coffee drinking, smoking, snuff etc.)
- Burial antiques: You can take it with you
- Tales and anecdotes of an auctioneer
- All that glitters is not gold
- Antiques for investment
- How to bargain hunt (an ideal topic before docking near a market)
- A conflict of conscience (animals and antiques)
"What a wonderful evening we had last night!! James really is such a lovely man and made the whole occasion very entertaining. It was so refreshing to have somebody that little bit above the norm and a little different. Not just the bog standard after dinner speech - he certainly made everyone sing for their supper with his antiques quiz - no one had time to nod off!! He was well worth every penny! I was quite anxious that I had pushed the boat out a bit too much, but everyone's response was so positive and very encouraging. Thank you both for helping me organise the event. I shall encourage the Committee to choose Champions for future speakers." - Lizzie, Staffordshire Agricultural Society
- Auctioneer on BBC’s Flog It
- Founder & Director of Bamfords Auctioneers and Valuers
- 2x Named UK Auctioneer of the Year
- 2019 – World Record Set for the Longest Auction by a Single Auctioneer