 Paul Martin was discovered when he was interviewed about his passion for oak furniture by a team from BBC Bristol. This was the extent of his television experience! The team were so impressed by his natural confidence in front of the camera that he was signed up immediately to present the exciting BBC2 daytime antiques show.
Paul Martin owned an antique shop specialising in 17th & 18th century English and Welsh oak furniture until his television commitments meant that he could not give the business enough of his time. He’s a romantic man who cares deeply about life and people; a charismatic person endowed with youthful enthusiasm. He is obsessed with beautiful furniture and is most eloquent when talking about the look, the feel and the smell of wood.
Paul was educated at Falmouth Grammar School in Cornwall and studied art and woodwork at Falmouth College. He spent two years as a scenic painter on film sets at Pinewood Studios. From the age of 25 he ran a pitch on Portobello Road and participated in various shop-share schemes. Later Paul worked as an antiques props stylist for magazines like ‘Marie Claire’ and ‘New Woman’, and designed antique sets for TV shoots for the Clothes Show and Granada TV. Paul enjoys drumming and in the early 90’s played in rock bands like `The Quire Boys’ and the ‘Dogs D’Amour’. He still loves to play in local jazz and blues bands. He enjoys still life drawing and walking his dog Bluebell but his passion is restoring antique country furniture.
Paul travels around the UK filming Flog It which means he is in and out of auction houses and meeting craftsmen day-in and day-out. He says “I have learned so much. Meeting people in the antiques trade or people who make their living by skills learned over tens of years is always a treat.”
Paul if often accompanied by his long-haired German Shepherd, Bluebelle, who has become almost as well known as him. If she is not present, Flog It fans are sure to ask why!
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