3 weeks Ago By Jennie Buzaglo
James Braxton has more than 40 years of experience in the world of antiques, but fans will be surprised to know that he has also embarked on a different career. Known for his rounded general knowledge of antiques and their relevance in history and geographical place, James is now a familiar face on BBC shows such as Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip . More than 30 years ago, James bought Edgar Horns Auction House in Eastbourne and Bracketts Auction House in Tunbridge Wells.
During an appearance at Wigtown Book Festival, James opened up about how he ventured into a career in antiques. He explained: "My grandfather was an estate agent, always buying stuff and my mother was very keen to visit art galleries, country houses, museums. Initially, I was taken kicking and screaming, but through osmosis it creeps in and suddenly you think 'Oh, I quite like this'.
And that's how it happened." Alongside his well established career in antiques, James is also an author. His first book, Barty, A Tale of a Stolen Bronze, was published last year and tells the story of a chef and an antiques dealer as they team up to solve the theft of a garden bronze.
The TV presenter revealed has was inspired by a real life event to write the novel after a statue was stolen from his family's garden Speaking at Wigtown Book Festival, James said: "By accident really, we had a statue pinched from our garden. Our daughter, Amelia came down for the weekend after its retrieval and said, 'The story is so unbelievable you must write about it'. And that was the push I needed.
" The TV star previously described the book as "a combination of Lovejoy, P G Wodehouse and a junior Dickens". He's also written a short story, The Boy and the Fish, which follows a young boy who learns the rewards of being good after befriending a fish. Beyond his television and writing career, James also owns several businesses.
One of his more recent ventures was Guildhall Weymouth, a wedding and party venue that opened its doors in 2018. Another part of James' business empire is his family-run pub, The Lamb Inn, located in Wartling, East Sussex, which he operates alongside his wife Joanna. Not much is known about James's relationship with Joanna, but he did disclose at Wigtown Book Festival that they tied the knot in the 1980s before moving to Brighton.
The couple share four children; sons Ned and Charlie, and daughters Amelia and Annie. It is believed The Lamb Inn is run by his two sons..
