Philip has now been an auctioneer for over 30 years. After completing a Bsc at Loughborough University, he actually started his working life as a P.E. and Geography teacher. However after realising this was most definitely not the career for him, he began to pursue auctioneering.
His first job saw him cleaning out the cattle pens at a local livestock market, working for the Bromyard based firm Bentley Hobbs and Mytton. Here he gained a huge amount of experience working with some very interesting characters. After a few years Philip was able to set up business on his own, establishing ‘Philip Serrell Auctioneers and Valuers’ in 1995.
Since then, the business has gone from strength to strength and now specialises in the sale and valuation of Royal Worcester Porcelain, as well as other items of Fine Art and Antiques, with clients worldwide.
Through his work he has met some interesting and wonderful people and he has written three books based on his life as a country auctioneer – copies available to purchase through the saleroom. He is also a regular face on many antiques television programmes such as Bargain Hunt and The Antiques Road Trip, as well as being a winning competitor on Celebrity Mastermind!
He is an energetic fund raiser for local charities, in particular for St Richard’s Hospice in Worcester of which he is a Patron. He is also a Trustee of the Museum of Royal Worcester.
Philip Serrell’s Books
Philip’s first book is titled ‘An Auctioneer’s Lot’ and documents his budding career as an auctioneer. The second book ‘Sold to the Man with the Tin Leg’ carries on with his life story so far.
The books are full of humorous stories based on Philip’s work over the past 30 years. They are available at most good bookshops. Alternatively, we stock both here at our saleroom and will happily take orders via phone or email.
The books are available in hardback, Kindle, and audiobook from Amazon and other bookshops.
Television Roles
Philip started his ‘television career’ about 15 years ago when he was approached by the makers of the show ‘Bargain Hunt’. This programme has gone from strength to strength, with series 50 currently being filmed.
He thoroughly enjoys being a part of both programmes and has met some great characters while filming, both behind the camera and in front of it!
Philip also appears on ‘Antiques Road Trip’, and ‘Celebrity Antiques Road Trip’ where his love of cars comes to the fore, travelling around the countryside in the pursuit of antiques.
Outside of this, Philip was delighted to appear on the ‘View from the boundary’, ‘Test Match Special’ with Johnathan Agnew, and much to his surprise was a winner on ‘Celebrity Mastermind’.
On Tour
Philip is currently on a nationwide tour with Christina Trevanion and Charlie Ross, and they are appearing at theatres throughout the land, talking a little bit about antiques, mixed with a lot of nonsense.
Public Speaking and Charity Events
Philip has considerable experience conducting talks for all sorts of causes. Over the years, he has spoken at many events, whether it be a theatre performance of ‘An Auctioneers Lot’ for 500 people or a Literary Lunch for 50, and not forgetting smaller events such as WI lunches and local charity evenings.
His various talks are drawn from his own life experiences, whether it be in the sporting arena, the auction business, his knowledge of antiques, TV and radio, and his latest achievements as an ‘author’. He can adapt his style accordingly, whether it takes a more informative tone or a series of entertaining anecdotes.
Philip is also highly sought after for conducting charity auctions, again on a small or large scale. Although he is hugely busy with the auctioneering business and television roles, he is always happy to help where possible. Worcestershire’s St Richard’ s Hospice is a charity close to his heart.
For enquiries about Philip attending a local charity event or speaking at an after-dinner event please contact Alison Webb on +44 (0)1684 892314 or auctions@serrell.co.uk