At 74, Ronnie Archer-Morgan’s journey through life has been anything but ordinary. Growing up in foster care and children’s homes, Archer-Morgan held various jobs including DJ, photographic technician, and hairdresser before turning his passion for antiques into a thriving career. Since 2011, he has been a familiar face on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, where his extensive knowledge has won him many fans. Last year, he gained attention on Channel 4’s Millionaire Hoarders by discovering a John Constable painting valued at up to £2 million at Craufurdland Castle in Kilmarnock. The phrase he is often associated with—“Would It Surprise You to Know …?”—also titles his autobiography published in 2022. He currently resides in north London.

“I always feel safer with at least £50 on me,” Archer-Morgan admits. He recalls an instance at age seven when he ventured to the Imperial War Museum with just enough money for a one-way bus ticket, leading him to walk to Lambeth before catching a bus back to Shepherd’s Bush.

What credit cards do you use?

Though he does not own a credit card, Archer-Morgan frequently uses a debit card. Acknowledging his discomfort with plastic money, he finds it difficult to monitor his spending. Having encountered online scams twice, he has opted out of online banking. In one instance, a publisher had charged him £9 a month for access to an audiobook he hadn’t intended to subscribe to, though he successfully reclaimed the funds.

What was your first job?

His work history began at 12 with a paper route, church cleaning, and dishwashing at Joe Lyons Corner House on Saturdays. His first significant role came as a photographic technician at Imperial College, where he developed mathematical models for academic publications under a difficult supervisor.

Are you a saver or a spender?

He identifies as a spender, recalling a childhood incident in which he blew all his pocket money on a rocket during a trip to Harrogate. In his travels to Paris, he would sell vintage goods to local buyers. Notably, a rare Chinese seal he purchased for £300 was sold at auction for £40,000 shortly afterward.

Are you better off than your parents?

Archer-Morgan reflects positively on his financial standing compared to his parents, describing a cramped living situation. His mother’s struggles with finances left a lasting impression, especially when he lost the family’s allowance cheque during a blizzard at just seven years old.

When did you first feel wealthy?

His sense of financial security blossomed in the late Sixties when he secured a managerial position at a Mykonos boutique, which afforded him autonomy and a secure living situation.

Have you ever struggled to make ends meet?

Absolutely. Archer-Morgan recounts times of financial hardship, including sleeping on friends’ floors. In the Seventies, he worked long hours in a Knightsbridge salon while also DJing at night to make ends meet, ultimately leading to his hospitalization due to stress.

What’s been your most lucrative work?

In the late Seventies, he earned handsomely DJing at a Swiss ski resort, which provided the capital to transition into freelance hairdressing for commercials and films, eventually paving the way for his antique career.

Do you own property?

Sort of. He holds a leasehold property with less than favorable terms, indicating that true ownership can be elusive, especially when it comes to extending the lease.

Do you invest in shares?

I’ve never invested in shares because I prefer to have direct oversight of my funds.

What’s your money weakness?

Books and records are his greatest financial indulgences, with a collection amassed over decades that he believes has appreciated significantly. They hold more than just monetary value; they are akin to treasures for him.

What’s your best investment?

His collection of books stands out as his most valuable investment. Each volume represents a lesson learned, both from enlightenment and errors, including a costly mistake involving a fake ancient sculpture.

What lesson have you learnt about money?

Archer-Morgan highlights the corrupting nature of money, sharing experiences of friendship strains related to financial dealings. His naivety once led him to auction off paintings without proper oversight, resulting in a disappointing payout.

What if you won the lottery?

Though he has never played, he dismisses the likelihood of winning.

Have you gambled?

While at university, he had a brief stint with poker, but vowed never to gamble again after leaving.

Do you have a pension?

I possess a minimal pension, which offers limited support for bills.

What’s your most extravagant purchase?

A collaborative purchase of a painting in the Nineties exemplifies his indulgent spending, alongside an impulse buy of a tribal mask which escalated due to competitive bidding.

How much did you earn last year?

Exact figures elude him, but he acknowledges financial strain given rising living costs.

What was your best business decision?

Transitioning to freelance work as a TV and film hairdresser and DJ laid the groundwork for his antique business, a field in which he cultivated expertise through experience.

Your worst business decision?

A misguided venture into door-to-door sales of Irish smoked salmon proved detrimental, leaving him overwhelmed and odoriferous.

For more insights, check out Archer-Morgan’s appearances on Channel 4’s Millionaire Hoarders.