Flog it! and Antiques Roadtrip presenter joins auction house

Antiques expert Paul Martin, the presenter of long-running shows like Flog It!, The Antiques Road Trip, and Britain’s Hidden Heritage, was named the new head of valuations at Henry Aldridge & Son in Devizes last month.

The appointment comes ahead of the Wiltshire celebrity’s new antiques show, Paul Martin’s Auction Showdown, which is due to launch on Channel 5 in 2024.

Henry Aldridge & Son is a long-standing family business in Devizes and has developed a worldwide reputation for selling iconic memorabilia, particularly Titanic-related items, fine art, and antiques.

Paul, who also owns The Table Gallery store on Corsham High Street, revealed he was excited to help the local business continue growing while exploring his own ventures.

He said: “I’m delighted to be joining the team at Henry Aldridge and Son in Devizes as the new head of valuations.

Paul Martin and Andrew Aldridge (Image: Henry Aldridge & Son)

“It’s an exciting time to join Andrew and Chrissie Aldridge to support the ongoing success and growth of this Wiltshire based family business that has an incredible long-standing global reputation.

“The new opportunity to join the team fits perfectly with my portfolio and will allow the ongoing growth of TV projects and The Table Gallery.”

Paul will be hosting a series of valuation days across the county in 2024 as well as regular days in the saleroom on Fridays.

These locations include The Little Lunch Box Cafe on Pewsey High Street, the Trowbridge Civic Centre, the Castle and Ball Hotel in Marlborough, and Marsh Farm Hotel in Royal Wootton Bassett.

Paul added: “I am looking forward to working with clients across the county and country to ensure they receive the right advice around selling their items, whether they are individual pieces, private collections, or complete estates. 

Paul Martin with the Avon Valley painting at his Corsham store (Image: Henry Aldridge & Son)

“I am very much looking forward to developing a new area of business, with regular valuation day opportunities to ensure clients benefit from the expertise and experience of the Aldridge team.”

Directors Andrew and Chrissie Aldridge believe Paul’s “wealth of knowledge” will make him a valuable asset to their team.

Paul recently made an exciting find when he discovered a 1930 painting of the Avon Valley, which depicts an area near Corsham and was painted by Lord Methuen, and has now given the artwork pride of place in his shop.