Anita Manning, is a Scottish antiques expert and renowned television personality hailing from Glasgow. She has gained widespread recognition through her appearances as an expert and presenter on popular BBC shows such as Bargain Hunt, Flog It!, and the Antiques Road Trip. Anita is celebrated as the first female auctioneer in Scotland, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the industry.
Anita Manning’s passion for antiques was ignited during her childhood when her father would take her to auctions on Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow. Over time, her love for antiques grew, and in the 1970s, she entered the antiques business after purchasing a bed from an Irish dealer who eventually offered her a job as a buyer.
Before venturing into the world of antiques, Anita Manning pursued studies in physical education with a specialization in dance at Aberdeen and Edinburgh. She worked as a teacher before marrying and starting a family. As a young mother, Anita honed her knowledge of antiques by buying furniture from auctions. After her initial foray into buying in Glasgow, she spent three years buying and selling furniture in England and Ireland, driving across the country in a truck.
Since 1989, Anita Manning has successfully run the Glasgow auction house known as Great Western Auctions, alongside her daughter Lala. Her son resides in Hong Kong, while her mother lived in Australia for the last 35 years of her life. Often recognized as Scotland’s first female auctioneer, Anita has made significant contributions to the field and left an indelible mark on the antiques industry.
In 2016, Anita achieved a remarkable feat on the Antiques Road Trip by setting a new record for the largest profit on a single item. A Buddha statue she acquired for £50 sold for an astonishing £3,800, resulting in an incredible 7,500% profit. Although this record was eventually surpassed in 2017, Anita’s achievement stands as a testament to her sharp eye for valuable pieces and her expertise in the world of antiques.
Who is Anita Manning Husband?
Anita Manning is married to Charles Hanson, although specific details about him have not been publicly disclosed. Together, they have built a family and have been blessed with two children. Their daughter, Lala Manning, has followed in her mother’s footsteps and become an antique expert herself. Lala co-founded Great Western Auctions alongside Anita, further strengthening their bond as a family united by their shared passion for antiques.
Anita’s husband, Charles, has remained more private and has not garnered as much public attention as his wife. While the specifics about his background and profession are not widely known, it is evident that he has been a supportive partner to Anita as she has achieved success in the world of antiques and television.
As Anita Manning’s career in antiques blossomed, her husband Charles stood by her side, providing love, support, and stability. Together, they have created a nurturing environment for their family, fostering their children’s interest in the antiques business. Despite Charles’s lower public profile, his contributions to their shared life and their journey in the world of antiques have undoubtedly played a significant role in Anita’s success.