Izzie Balmer Reveals the Perfect Spot for Finding Antique Bargains
If you're a fan of antiques and love the thrill of the hunt, then you’ll love what Antiques Road Trip expert Izzie Balmer has to say about the best places to score hidden treasures. As a well-known auctioneer and TV personality, Balmer has built a career out of spotting valuable finds where others might see nothing but junk. And now, she’s sharing her top tip for bargain hunters.
In a recent chat, Izzie lifted the lid on where collectors should be heading for the best deals. According to her, antique fairs are the perfect spot to uncover gems, but one location stands out: Ripley Castle. "For a day out, I would say Ripley Castle was a lovely fair; it had a great vibe, it wasn’t too big so as to feel overwhelming, everyone was super friendly, and to top it all, the sun shone all weekend," she shared. That combination of atmosphere, variety, and just the right size makes it an ideal destination for enthusiasts looking to strike gold.
Of course, when it comes to serious bargain hunting, Balmer recommends the larger fairs. “Probably one of the ‘biggies,’” she said, explaining that the sheer variety at these events gives buyers the best chance of finding valuable items at great prices.
Balmer’s journey into the antiques world was somewhat accidental. After earning a geography degree from Durham University, she wasn’t quite sure what career path to take. A part-time job in a vintage shop helped her explore her interests, but it wasn’t until her mother suggested work experience at a local auction house that she truly found her calling. "After two weeks’ work experience, the auction house offered me a job, and the rest, as they say, is history," she recalled.
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Now a regular on Bargain Hunt , Balmer’s career skyrocketed after a producer from the show noticed her work on Antiques Road Trip . "I’d been doing the BBC’s Antiques Road Trip for a year when I got a call from the series producer of Bargain Hunt , asking if I’d like to join the family. I couldn’t say yes fast enough!"
As for what keeps her passionate about the industry, it’s the thrill of seeing items go under the hammer and exceed expectations. "When you really do spot that hidden treasure, and you know it’s going to make a great profit, and then you see the excitement and delight on the contestants’ faces—it’s simply wonderful!" she said.
One of her biggest wins? A Charles Horner brooch that brought in over £100 in profit. But as for her losses, she doesn’t dwell on them. "I’m a positive person and don’t like to focus on negatives," she admitted.
For anyone hoping to follow in her footsteps, Balmer has one piece of advice: get experience. "Ask your local auction house for a couple of weeks’ work experience—you might just get a full-time job offer at the end of it!"
So, if you’re looking to dive into the world of antiques, take it from Izzie Balmer—hit up the fairs, keep an open mind, and who knows? You might just uncover your own hidden treasure!
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