Would It Surprise You To Know. . . ?
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  • Published: 23 June 2022
  • ISBN: 9781529157543
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 320

Would It Surprise You To Know. . . ?

Formats & editions
EBook
23 Jun 2022
Audiobook
23 Jun 2022
Paperback
16 Apr 2023
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A rich and moving memoir telling the rags to riches story of Ronnie Archer-Morgan, expert on beloved TV show Antiques Roadshow

'Ronnie has overcome a heart-breaking start in life to achieve great success and no one deserves it more. What a dude, what a life!' - Fiona Bruce

'Brilliant...a mercurial memoir of a meritorious life.' - Lemn Sissay

For decades, Ronnie Archer-Morgan has brought to life the fascinating, often surprising backstories behind our most cherished heirlooms and household objects on the Antiques Roadshow. Now, he tells his own unlikely story.

Born in the fifties to a Sierra Leonean mother battling mental health problems, Ronnie spent his childhood in and out of care. After difficult beginnings, marked by abuse, racism and brushes with both criminals and the police, he got into music, managing to get DJ gigs and, later, worked as a celebrity hairdresser for Vidal Sassoon and Smile in the height of seventies London. A flair for spotting antiques led him to start his own Knightsbridge gallery, ultimately becoming one of the most respected figures in the industry, culminating in a regular spot as an expert on the nation's Sunday favourite, Antiques Roadshow.

Told with rich warmth, this is an extraordinary journey from deprivation and abuse to adventure and success against the odds - with stories of the incredible objects which shaped the way.

'A surprising story, like many of the objects he appraises on the Antiques Roadshow' - Kate Adie, broadcaster and bestselling author

'A fascinating, rollercoaster read, very well told.' - Times
  • Published: 23 June 2022
  • ISBN: 9781529157543
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 320
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About the author

Ronnie Archer-Morgan

Ronnie Archer-Morgan has worked in the antiques business for over 30 years. He learned the tricks of the antiques trade by exploring local shops and markets whilst working a variety of jobs including technical model maker, DJ, a boutique manager and celebrity hairdresser. This eventually led him to work as consultant to Sotheby's wristwatch and costume jewellery department and to start his own renowned Knightsbridge gallery. Today, Ronnie is best known for his regular appearances on the TV favourite Antiques Roadshow where his exciting finds have included a Fijian war club, and he remains a fixture at London's flea markets and the prestigious Masterpiece Art Fair.

Praise for Would It Surprise You To Know. . . ?

Life as a pinball [. . .] all the time absorbing history and art and adventurous travel. A black man pursuing culture and pursued by prejudice, pinging against the glamour and the pitfalls of the antiques trade. A surprising story, like many of the objects he appraises on the Antiques Roadshow.

Kate Adie, broadcaster and bestselling author

Ronnie has told me stories from his past over our years together on the Antiques Roadshow. But, reading his autobiography, all I can say is, yes, I am surprised. Is there anything he hasn't done? Ronnie has overcome a heart-breaking start in life to achieve great success and no one deserves it more. What a dude, what a life!

Fiona Bruce

A gripping memoir about overcoming an abusive childhood...A fascinating rollercoaster read, very well told..full of devastating cruelty and remarkable strokes of luck

Times

There is so much more to Ronnie than meets the eye. Reading everything he has overcome and all that he has achieved gives you a deeper, richer understanding of the man and why he finally feels able to count his blessings.

Daily Express

A brilliant memoir by Ronnie Archer-Morgan. His is a mercurial memoir of a meritorious life.

Lemn Sissay

Told with warmth and candour, this 'memoir of finding life's treasures' is involving, surprising and memorable.'

Choice Magazine