Mark Stacey is a familiar face on our TV screens as a well-respected antiques expert specialising in fine art. He is known for his role on BBC’ s Bargain Hunt, as well as his regular appearances on Flog It!, Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is, and Antiques Road Trip.
The 60-year-old was born in Neath, Glamorgan, South Wales, but he later moved to London to kickstart his career in antiques. He worked for the Bonhams and Sotheby’s auction houses before landing the position of head of decorative arts and later a director at Hamptons/Dreweatt Neate Fine Art.
In 2011, Stacey made a major move in his career and opened his own antiques shop in Kemptown, Brighton. He takes pride in selecting “bespoke, rare and out of the ordinary” antique items which are also available to purchase on his website.
Three years later, he became an auctioneer and valuer with Reeman Dansie auctioneers in Colchester. When he was there, Stacey got his hands on an ancient Egyptian sarcophagus. He found the item in an Essex house and it sold for a huge £13,500 at auction.
Away from the world of antiques, Stacey has been open about his passion for music. He plays the organ and occasionally performs at his local Methodist church.
Before securing his career in antiques, he worked as a residential social worker. He revealed that his lifelong passion for collecting led him to his career in antiques.
He said: “As a child it was stamps and coins, and later, rummaging around lots of markets. I started collecting small silver and works of art so I think antiques chose me, and my hobby turned into a way of life, which is full of ups and downs.”
In 2002, Mark joined the team on Bargain Hunt after responding to an ad in the Antiques Trade Gazette, reports Lincolnshire Live. His screen test was an immediate success, securing him a spot on the beloved programme.
Reflecting on his career, he said: “I don’t think I could do anything other than what I do know. If I had to have a change of career, I am sure it would be something creative.”
He also noted the evolution of the antiques trade, offering an insight for those considering a career in the industry.
He said: “The antiques trade is changing fast for anyone wanting to get into it.
“It offers great fun, excitement and very little money, as a dealer that is, but you get to meet a wonderful array of eccentric people who have passion and many stories, some may even be true, but first and foremost you must research and handle lots of things and be prepared to make a loss – this is how you learn.”
When he’s not filming, Mark dedicates his time to his business, Mark Stacey Antiques and Decorative. He and his business partner Santiago have been working together for around two decades.
On his website, Mark said: “We enjoy sourcing unique and decorative pieces that we hope bring meaning and delight to our clients.” He added: “Our passion takes us to all four corners of the UK and into Europe to find one-off pieces that tell a story.”
In 2023, following his surgery to remove a bowel cancer tumour, he received an outpouring of support from fans when he shared a post-hospital photo.
In a post online, he said: “Thanks to Lincoln Country Hospital, had a bowel cancer tumour removed to robotics on Thursday, this pic on Friday morning.” He added: “Our NHS is amazing, we must protect it.”