Charles Hanson is one of Britain’s most recognisable and engaging auctioneers, best known for his energetic and charming presence on BBC shows such as ‘Bargain Hunt’, ‘Flog It!’ and ‘Antiques Road Trip’. As a keynote speaker, Charles brings the same wit, insight and enthusiasm that has made him a staple of daytime television and a respected figure in the antiques industry. A natural showman with genuine expertise, his biggest professional achievement is the founding of Hansons Auctioneers and Valuers, a successful independent auction house with locations across the UK, established in 2005.
Charles’ passion for antiques was ignited early in life and led him to pursue a career in valuation and auctioneering. After earning his surveying qualifications, he began his career at the prestigious Christie’s in London in 1999, joining the European Ceramics and Glass Department as a student intern. His time at Christie’s gave him hands-on experience with valuable and historic items, setting the tone for a career built on knowledge and a love for storytelling through objects. Following roles at antique houses in Cheshire and Staffordshire, Charles laid the foundations for what would become his own successful business.
Since launching Hansons Auctioneers, Charles has become a central figure in the auction world. He gained national attention in 2002 when he became the youngest expert on Bargain Hunt, and his television career has flourished ever since. His other media appearances include Flog It!, Antiques Road Trip and a special charity edition of Bargain Hunt for Children in Need. In 2018, he expanded his enterprise with the opening of Hansons London. Charles has presided over numerous notable sales, including a Qianlong period Chinese porcelain vase that sold for £650,000, and the medals of Viscount Rowland Hill. His work with Historica, a department he founded in 2016 specialising in coins and antiquities, further cemented his role as a trusted name in historical valuation.
Organisers looking for an entertaining, yet deeply knowledgeable speaker will find Charles the ideal choice. His topics range from the antiques trade and historical artefacts to auctioneering, entrepreneurship and television media, offering valuable insights wrapped in compelling narrative. Charles’ speaking engagements are informative, humorous, and always lively, making him a standout at corporate functions, charity events and cultural evenings. With over two decades of experience and a loyal TV following, Charles remains a respected voice in his field and a speaker who guarantees both charm and substance.
Charles Hanson's official speaker topics are listed below:
- The World of Antiques & Collectibles
- Tales from the Auction Room
- Entrepreneurship in the Arts Sector
- Television & Media in the Antiques Industry
- Historical Artefacts: Stories Through Objects
- Charity Fundraising & Auctioneering
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
“Charles is a fantastic auctioneer, and one in which really engages well with his audience.” – Sonya, Company Secretary, Hansons Auctioneers
"Charles was a star and it was lovely to meet him. He worked really hard on the auction for us as it was a bit slow at times but he persevered and did us proud!" – Diane Hummerston, The Christie Charitable Fund
"It all went very well with Charles on Thursday, thank you. He is so full of energy, and clearly has a passion for his job. He was a delightful speaker and was well received." – Sue Sanderson, Nottinghamshire Federation of WIs
"I hardly know where to begin to thank Charles for his excellent presentation last night – instructive, informative and very amusing. He is certainly a master of his craft. The Maturians have had several speakers in the past, some good, some very good but rarely have they been of Charles’s calibre. It’s no wonder he is so popular on Bargain Hunt, Flog It, Antiques Road Trip etc. Stan and I have received many comments about how much they enjoyed listening to Charles. The audience’s reaction at the end speaks for itself. The Q. & A. session went down particularly well and the evening came to an end far too soon." – David, The Maturians, Pinner Synagogue
- 2018 – Launched Hansons London
- 2016 – Founded Historica, a department specialising in coins and antiquities
- 2011 – Regular expert on Antiques Road Trip
- 2005 – Opened Hansons Auctioneers and Valuers
- 2002 – Made TV debut on Bargain Hunt as its youngest expert
- 1999 – Began career at Christie’s, London, in the European Ceramics and Glass Department
How to hire Charles Hanson
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Charles Hanson 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.
