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Tracy Martin
TV presenter, much in demand speaker and an expert in 20th century collectables and antiques, Tracy Martin appears regularly on both television and radio. Her enthusiasm is infectious and she is passionate about encouraging across the generations to love antiques and collectables as much as she does.
About Tracy Martin
Rather different to the stereotypical grey suited antiques experts normally associated with this industry Tracy is trendy and fashion conscious. She is also a published author and has written many magazine articles. Quoted regularly in magazines such as Grazia, Tracy is the person the media and TV industry turn to when they need a collectables expert.
Tracy Martin’s vast knowledge extends to many antique and collectable subjects, including 20th Century interiors, ceramics, glass, toys, vintage fashion, shoes and handbags. Tracy knows instinctively what to buy now as a collectable of the future. Furthermore she is highly skilled at identifying new trends, and advising on which of those 20th Century treasures are now highly prized.
She has so much to say on 20th-21st century collectables and she delivers the information in a way that really hooks the viewer, listener and reader. Highly respected in the antiques and collectables industry by fellow experts, auctioneers, dealers and collectors, Tracy is a dream to work with.
She has appeared on numerous television programmes an on-screen expert for BBC Flog it! The Paul O Grady Show, Chanel 4.s Sunday Brunch, The One Show, Market Kitchen, BBC Breakfast and has been the resident Antiques and Collectables Expert on ITV’s This Morning for the past 18 months.
Author of ‘The Greatest Collecting Tips in the World,’ and ‘Christmas Collectables’ (the first ever UK book dedicated to collecting Christmas memorabilia) Tracy’s most recent books are ‘Collectable Names in Women’s Fashion, Past and Present.’ and the latest book ‘The Little Black Dress’ which was released in September 2012.
Tracy Martin is also in much demand as a passionate, enthusiastic and humorous speaker, and she loves nothing sharing her knowledge and experiences which include the astonishing items people find at car boots sales, items we should have kept but like most people have thrown away and the astonishing prices the most unlikely items can realise at auction. Another area Tracy is fascinated with is the social history behind collectables. She loves to know how they evolved, how they impacted on society and why now they are an important part of our everyday lives.
Tracy lives in Essex with partner Paul and their son Harry.
Treasured Memories
This talk is concerned with all those items once considered as every day objects, that have been discarded and that now have a following with collectors. They are pieces that would adorn every home or at least most of them and are now considered highly collectable – so worth a few pounds. Tracy will awaken all those nostalgic memories of things you used to take for granted, which are now worth money and make you wish that you had held onto them.
From Bootsale Princess to Collectables Queen
This is talk is about Tracy! How she contracted Collectavitus at an early age and has successfully turned her hobby into a career. A talk which discusses Tracy’s rise in the antiques and collectables industry it focuses on her television and radio work, as well as being author, journalist and life as a consultant in an auction house.
Made in Britain Glass
This talk discusses the modern British Studio Glass manufacturing. A patron for British Made products Tracy will talk in depth on techniques, designers and their creations of a selected few of the country’s leading glass making studios. Also, advising what to buy now as a possible investment for the future.
Made in Britain Ceramics
This talk discusses the modern British potter industry. A patron for British made products Tracy discusses how smaller ceramic companies are working hard to keep the industry in the UK. Focusing on her favorite designers she will discuss techniques, designs and collectability of our contemporary British potters.
Festive Fortunes
Author of ‘Christmas Collectables’ Tracy discusses the social history and collectability of everything Festive. Whether it’s the baubles and figural tree lights you used as a child or special ornaments and crockery created to celebrate the festive season, Christmas collectables appeal to many types of collectors, as well as those who recall their own Christmas celebrations with nostalgia. Little realising just how valuable and desirable some of their own festive goods have become.
Collectable Names and Designs in Women’s Shoes
Author of ‘Collectable Names and Designs in Women’s Shoes’ Tracy will discuss the social history of footwear, the designs and how today’s shoes are not only practical but also an art form. From the Roman Caliga to Vivienne Westwood Pirate boots, every shoe tells a story.
Collectable Names and Designs in Women’s Fashion
Author of ‘Collectable Names and Designs in Women’s Fashion’ Tracy will discuss the social history of fashion, the life and times of iconic designers as well as focusing on the collectability of iconic dresses that have impacted on the 20th/21st Century.
Collectable Names and Designs in Women’s Handbags
This talk discusses the social history, designs and designers behind handbags. From Victorian through to present day every handbag tells a story. Tracy will look at ground breaking designs that have already become collectable as well as those that should be considered for future investment.
Auction Etiquette
A talk on the auction world, from how to bid, view and sell. The pitfalls and advantages to auction houses and all the wonderful things Tracy has sold for her clients. Exciting and amusing stories on treasured finds and what price they made!
Bootsale Bargains
Tracy is a bootsale queen, up early every weekend to hunt out treasures. In this talk she discusses what people should be looking for, amusing stories on items found and how to sort the wheat from the chaff in order to bag a bootsale bargain.
The Arts and Crafts Movement
Focusing on a handful of iconic designers from the Arts and Crafts movement hat emerged in the late Victorian era. Tracy talks about the life and designs of founding member William Morris, as well as Charles Ashbee, Archibald Knox, Comfort Tiffany, The Robert Bros and William de Morgan. It explains how the movement emerged, its goals and how the movement has impacted on today’s society.
The Bare Essentials – The History of Underwear
A bit naughty but good clean fun Tracy discusses the history of underwear. This talk takes a ‘brief’ look at men’s undergarments before delving into the history of women’s unmentionables. From ancient undies to Victorian corsets, Tracy also takes an in depth look at how women’s underwear has progressed through the decades. This is a talk that explains how social history has played a key part in what we wear underneath, along with highlighting the collectability of vintage lingerie. Be prepared to laugh and learn as Tracy delves into the historic underwear draw.
Testimonials
"Tracy Martin was perfect for our female networking event. Smart, funny and undeniably charming, her talk was the perfect end to the evening. Thank you so much."
Lawyer Ladies Networking Event
"After many years than I care to remember working in the world of fine art, antiques and collectables I have found myself in regular contact with all manner of fellow valuers and experts. Consequently I think it’s fair to say that I have developed an instinct for recognising them as know from them as would have you believe they know’ and so can confirm that Tracy Martin is in a league to be taken seriously. With her finger well and truly pressed upon the pulse of a rapidly moving market. Tracy has a rare gift for being able to use her vast knowledge whilst maintaining a real passion for her subject"
Eric Knowles, Antiques Roadshow Expert
"In the past we have enjoyed a number of speakers who are personalities from the antiques world - auctioneers and TV antiques experts, all male. You brought a change of dimension and a fresh approach to antiques which were thoroughly enjoyed by our members. Your enthusiasm is infectious and your feminine slant and love of style and fashion found accord with our collectors, who revere the style and flair exhibited by many of the Shelley pieces, particularly from the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods. You entertained and amused us with personal anecdotes from your literary and antiques expert career, also educating us a little along the way. What more could we ask of an after dinner speaker for a ceramics collecting society? Many thanks from us all."
Shelley Weekend Meeting
"Tracey was the perfect speaker for our weekly Lunch Club event. She delivered a hugely entertaining talk about Men’s and Ladies underwear and my lunch clubbers enjoyed every minute leaving wonderful feedback post event. This is the 3rd time we have booked Tracy over the years and she always delivers the goods! I highly recommend."
The Langham Hotel