Bargain Hunt’s Paul Laidlaw Opens Up About Family Sacrifices and Heartfelt Confession
TV star Paul Laidlaw, a self-proclaimed “antique anorak,” has made a name for himself as an expert on some of the most popular antiques shows, including Bargain Hunt, Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, and Flog It! While his expertise and passion for antiques are evident on screen, Paul once shared a glimpse of what his “happy me” looks like beyond his professional life.
The Scottish antiques expert first appeared on the BBC’s Bargain Hunt in 2006 and has since become a familiar face in the world of antiques television. One of his most memorable moments came on Celebrity Antiques Road Trip when he made a record-breaking discovery. While shopping for collectibles in Margate, Kent, Paul picked up a rare sub-miniature camera in an antique store, told The Mirror.
After negotiating with the shop owner, he purchased the camera for £60. At the time, he speculated, “I think this is a very early camera. If I’m right, that could be quite exciting… The photographic market is very much on the ascent, it’s a hot market, I think that’s a good thing.”
His instincts proved correct when the camera was identified as one of Auguste Bertsch’s extremely rare Chambre Automatique cameras, a unique combination of a camera and a microscope. The camera went on to sell for £20,000 at auction, earning Paul a massive profit of £19,940 and setting a new record for the show. Reflecting on the sale, Paul admitted he was “genuinely flabbergasted.”
While Paul’s passion for antiques is undeniable, he also cherishes his time off-screen, particularly with his family. He owns and runs Laidlaw Auctioneers and has personal collections that include arms and armor, Georgian glassware, Georgian silver, and watches. However, it’s the time spent with his wife, Maureen Laidlaw, and their three children—a daughter and twin sons—that truly brings him joy.
In a rare glimpse into his personal life, Paul revealed what makes him happiest when he’s not working. “When I’m not being an antique anorak, all I want to do is have fun with my family,” he told the BBC. “Rounders in the park, pitch-and-putt at the golf course, walking in the Lakes, hi-jinks at the pool, that’s happy me. Oh, and cooking.”
Despite his love for his work, Paul admits that the frequent travel required by his television roles often keeps him away from his family, a challenge for a devoted family man. He confessed, “In truth, I miss my family.” Yet, even with the challenges, Paul continues to enjoy the “fun-but-serious” world of Bargain Hunting, balancing his professional passion with his love for family life.