Anita Manning, a celebrated Scottish antique expert and television personality, has captivated audiences with her charm and expertise on BBC’s Bargain Hunt, Flog It!, and Antiques Road Trip. Born on December 1, 1947, she is 77 years old as of 2025. Her net worth is estimated at $2 million, amassed through her auctioneering career and TV appearances. Married with two children, Anita keeps her personal life private. Her salary from BBC and her auction house, Great Western Auctions, contributes significantly to her wealth. This article delves into her age, net worth, married life, salary, and career, offering fresh insights and updates.
Early Life and Education: Shaping Anita Manning’s Journey
Anita Manning was born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland, where her passion for antiques was sparked by her father, an avid collector. As a young girl, she accompanied him to auctions on Sauchiehall Street, igniting a lifelong love for collectibles. She studied physical education with a specialization in dance at Aberdeen and Edinburgh, later working as a dance teacher. This early career choice reflects her vibrant energy, which she later channeled into auctioneering. Her transition from teaching to antiques showcases her adaptability, a trait that has defined her success.
“Antiques tell stories of the past, and I’ve always been drawn to their history,” Anita once shared in a BBC interview, highlighting her deep connection to her craft.
Career Highlights: From Dance Teacher to Scotland’s First Female Auctioneer
Anita’s career in antiques began in the 1970s when she bought a bed from an Irish dealer who offered her a job as a buyer. This marked the start of her journey in the antiques trade, where she spent years buying and selling furniture across England and Ireland, often driving a truck to transport her finds. In 1989, she co-founded Great Western Auctions with her daughter, Lala, in Glasgow, becoming Scotland’s first female auctioneer. The business has grown into one of the UK’s leading independent auction houses, hosting fortnightly antiques auctions and quarterly fine arts sales.
Her television career took off in 2003 with appearances on Bargain Hunt, Flog It!, and Antiques Road Trip. A standout moment came in 2016 when she made a 7,500% profit on a bronze Buddha statue, purchased for £50 and sold for £3,800, setting a record on Antiques Road Trip. Her expertise and warm personality have made her a fan favorite, blending knowledge with approachability.
Case Study: The Buddha Statue Success
Anita’s record-breaking sale of the Buddha statue is a testament to her keen eye. Purchased in Kent, the item was a calculated risk based on her decades of experience. The sale not only highlighted her expertise but also underscored the potential for high returns in the antiques market. This achievement remains a benchmark for aspiring auctioneers, illustrating the importance of knowledge and intuition in the trade.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success in Antiques and TV
Anita Manning’s net worth is estimated at $2 million as of 2025, derived from her auction house and television work. While her exact salary from BBC remains undisclosed, industry estimates suggest BBC presenters earn between $30,000 and $140,000 annually, with Anita likely at the higher end due to her prominence. Her auction house, Great Western Auctions, generates additional income through sales and commissions. Unlike many TV personalities, Anita supplements her earnings by actively participating in the antiques trade, a strategy that diversifies her revenue streams.
“Her ability to spot undervalued items is unmatched, making her a standout in both auction rooms and on screen,” notes a colleague from Great Western Auctions.
Married Life and Family: A Private Yet Fulfilling Personal Life
Anita Manning is married, but she keeps details of her husband and married life private, a choice that reflects her desire to separate her public and personal spheres. She has two children, Lala and Luke, and is a proud grandmother of three. Lala works alongside Anita at Great Western Auctions, managing daily operations, while Luke runs his own business in Hong Kong. Anita’s family-oriented approach is evident in her close collaboration with Lala, blending professional and personal bonds.
Despite her reserved nature about her dating history or marriage, Anita has described her husband as the “love of her life” in interviews, hinting at a strong, enduring partnership. Her ability to maintain privacy in an era of public scrutiny is admirable, offering a lesson in balancing fame with personal boundaries.
Recent Updates: Anita Manning in 2025
As of August 2025, Anita continues to appear on Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, with no signs of slowing down at 77 years old. Her auction house remains a cornerstone of Glasgow’s antiques scene, with recent expansions into online auctions to adapt to digital trends. Anita’s commitment to charity is also noteworthy; Great Western Auctions supports causes like Children in Need and Marie Curie, reflecting her community-driven ethos.
Unique Insight: Adapting to the Digital Age
The antiques industry has faced challenges with the rise of online marketplaces, but Anita has embraced technology. Great Western Auctions now offers live-streamed auctions, attracting a global audience. This pivot demonstrates her forward-thinking approach, ensuring her business remains competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Anita Manning Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anita Manning |
| Date of Birth | December 1, 1947 |
| Age | 77 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Glasgow, Scotland |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Profession | Antique Expert, Television Presenter, Auctioneer |
| Education | Physical Education, Specialization in Dance (Aberdeen and Edinburgh) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Name not disclosed |
| Children | Lala Manning (daughter), Luke Manning (son) |
| Grandchildren | Three |
| Net Worth | $2 million (estimated) |
| Salary | $30,000–$140,000 annually (BBC presenter, estimated) |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (estimated) |
| Weight | 60 kg (estimated) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Business | Great Western Auctions (co-founded in 1989) |
| Notable TV Shows | Bargain Hunt, Flog It!, Antiques Road Trip |
| Major Achievement | 7,500% profit on a Buddha statue (2016, Antiques Road Trip) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @anitamanningantiques, Twitter: @anitamanning |
Why Anita Manning Stands Out
Anita’s journey from a dance teacher to a pioneering auctioneer is inspiring. Her ability to thrive in a male-dominated industry, coupled with her television charisma, sets her apart. Unlike many experts, she remains hands-on, regularly attending auctions and mentoring young dealers. Her story resonates with those pursuing unconventional career paths, proving that passion and persistence can lead to remarkable success.
Conclusion: A Legacy in Antiques and Television
Anita Manning’s age, net worth, married life, salary, and career reflect a life dedicated to antiques and storytelling. At 77, she continues to inspire through her work at Great Western Auctions and on BBC programs. Her private yet fulfilling married life and close family ties add depth to her public persona. For more on Anita’s journey, visit her Wikipedia page or follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
