Laughter ‘guaranteed’ at book signing with TV’s Charlie Ross at Staffordshire saleroom Bishton Hall

Charlie Ross and Charles Hanson – two of Britain’s  best-known antiques experts –  are joining forces to offer an evening of summer fun in Staffordshire.

The pair, friends for years, are hosting a special book-signing event for antiques fans at Sparrow’s Tearoom, Bishton Hall, Staffordshire, on Wednesday, July 17, from 6pm, to celebrate the release of Charlie Ross’s autobiography, Sold!

The evening will include a free glass of fizz on arrival, a ‘Two Charlies’ talk led by Charles Hanson about his friend’s life, a question-and-answer session and a chance to buy Charlie’s book, signed by the man himself. Refreshments will be available to purchase courtesy of Sparrow’s Tearoom including light bites and homemade cakes.

Charles Hanson said: “I’ve known Charlie for nearly 20 years. We’re the greatest of friends.  We’ve worked together on popular TV antiques series. We’ve also done theatres shows and even released a Christmas single, Sleigh Ride, for charity with James Braxton and Philip Serrell.

“Fans of antiques the world over like Charlie so I’m thrilled he’s finally got his life story down on paper, and published it! He’s one of the most highly regarded auctioneers in the world, famous for selling classic cars for millions of pounds. He’s got some pretty amazing tales to tell. He’s also a thoroughly nice gent and great fun.  Laughs galore are guaranteed if Charlie’s in the room!”

Charlie Ross said: “I’m very grateful to Charles for hosting a book-signing at his Staffordshire saleroom. Sold! came about because, when giving talks up and down the country, people said that as I had a wealth of fascinating and amusing stories I should put them into a book.  

“Then, along came Covid in 2020. This gave me a break in my normally hectic schedule in which to put pen to paper – literally, as my typing is non-existent! I wrote furiously for a few weeks and then stopped. Due to laziness? Sally, my wife, kept badgering me to finish it which I did, eventually. But, not being experienced in the written word, I realised I needed someone to polish it in order to turn it into acceptable English. My brother, Stewart, being a much published author, did just that.  

“I hope it will gain interest from the two million people who watch TV’s Bargain Hunt every day.  Antiques Road Trip also has an incredibly strong following and, in the past, Flog It!.  I have really enjoyed participating in all these programmes.”

Sold! reveals how Charlie graduated from auctioning antiques in Woburn, Bedfordshire, to selling multi-million-dollar cars in California for renowned American firm Gooding & Company. He holds auction records for selling some of the most expensive cars in the world including a 1935 Duesenberg sold for $22 million (£17.5m) in 2018.

The book has been ghosted by Charlie’s older brother, award-winning author Stewart Ross, who said: “Sold! is an account of an extraordinary life, told with wit, honesty and disconcerting modesty. It brims with personal photos and has won plaudits from Charlie’s celebrity friends. Actress and model Elizabeth Hurley says the book is ‘as much fun as going to one of Charlie’s auctions – at only a fraction of the cost!’ ”

Event details: The Charlie Ross book signing will be held at Sparrow’s Tearoom, Bishton Hall, Wolseley Bridge, Stafford, ST17 0XN  on Wednesday, July 17, from 6pm. No need to book. To find out more, email hstansfield@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk 

Book details: Charlie Ross autobiography Sold!, launched on June 27, is available from Amazon or  www.bleanbooks.com