James Braxton: Age, Net Worth, Married Life, Salary, and Career Insights

James Braxton, a renowned British auctioneer, antiques expert, and television personality, has captivated audiences with his expertise on shows like Antiques Road Trip and Bargain Hunt. Born in August 1963, he is 62 years old in 2025. With a net worth estimated at £3-5 million, Braxton’s wealth stems from his auctioneering career, TV appearances, and business ventures like The Lamb Inn. Married to Joanna Victoria Braxton, he leads a private family life with four children. This article explores his age, net worth, married life, salary, and career, offering fresh insights into his journey.

Early Life and Education: Foundations of an Antiques Expert

Born in Surrey, England, in August 1963, James Braxton’s age of 62 reflects a lifetime immersed in antiques. His passion was sparked by family visits to art galleries and country houses, as he shared in an interview with Wigtown Book Festival. He studied at the Inchbald School of Design in London, honing his knowledge of art and antiques. While working as a porter at Gorringes Auction House in East Sussex, he studied at night, earning a qualification from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in Fine Arts & Antiques, winning the 1991 Antiques Trade Gazette prize for the best final exam.

This rigorous education laid the groundwork for his career. Unlike many in the industry, Braxton’s self-taught discipline and hands-on experience gave him a unique edge, blending academic knowledge with practical expertise. His early exposure to antiques, initially reluctant, evolved into a lifelong passion, showcasing how personal interests can shape a successful career.

Career Journey: From Auction Houses to TV Stardom

James Braxton’s career spans over four decades, establishing him as a leading figure in the UK antiques scene. He began at Phillips Fine Art Auctioneers in London, later heading the ceramics department at Dreweatts Auction House. In 1991, he acquired Edgar Horns Auction House in Eastbourne, followed by Bracketts Auction House in Tunbridge Wells in 1995. His entrepreneurial spirit led to the founding of iBrax.com in 1999, a pioneering online auction platform that survived the dot-com crash, later sold after acquiring Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Book Auctions.

Braxton’s television career began in 2001 with Bargain Hunt, filmed in Paris. His charismatic presence and vast knowledge made him a staple on BBC shows like Flog It!, Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is, and Antiques Road Trip. A memorable moment came in a 2025 episode of Antiques Road Trip, where Braxton secured a Sir William Russell Flint print for £8, selling it for £150, earning a playful tap from co-star Raj Bisram. This anecdote highlights his knack for spotting undervalued treasures, a skill honed over decades.

His role as a founding director of The Fine Art Auction Group further solidified his industry influence. Braxton’s ability to contextualize antiques historically and geographically sets him apart, making him a trusted authority. His recent appearances alongside experts like Izzie Balmer and Charlie Ross showcase his competitive yet collegial spirit, adding depth to his on-screen persona.

Married Life and Family: A Private Haven

James Braxton’s married life with Joanna Victoria Braxton is kept private, reflecting their preference for discretion. Married since the 1980s, the couple has four children: sons Ned and Charlie, and daughters Amelia and Annie. They own The Lamb Inn, a 16th-century pub in Wartling, East Sussex, purchased in 2012. The family-run business involves all four children, with Ned and Charlie managing operations since their late teens. A 2019 Instagram post (@jamesbraxtonofficial) captured a festive family moment outside the pub, underscoring their close-knit bond.

Joanna, a director at Acearetrofit Property and Tliw Limited, avoids the spotlight, allowing James to shine publicly while maintaining a stable home life. This balance is rare in the entertainment industry, where personal details often become public. Their commitment to privacy offers a refreshing contrast to the oversharing culture, emphasizing the importance of boundaries in a public-facing career.

Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success in Antiques

James Braxton’s net worth is estimated at £3-5 million in 2025, driven by his multifaceted career. His salary includes earnings from TV appearances, auctioneering, and business ventures. While exact figures for his TV salary are undisclosed, industry estimates suggest antiques experts on BBC shows earn £500-£2,000 per episode, depending on prominence and episode count. Braxton’s ownership of The Lamb Inn and past ventures like iBrax.com significantly contribute to his wealth.

His financial success is a case study in diversifying income streams. Unlike many TV personalities reliant solely on screen work, Braxton’s auction houses and entrepreneurial ventures provide stability. For aspiring auctioneers, his journey underscores the value of blending traditional expertise with modern platforms, a strategy that ensured iBrax.com’s survival during the volatile dot-com era.

Literary Ventures: A New Chapter

In 2024, Braxton published his first book, Barty – A Tale of a Stolen Bronze, inspired by the theft of a garden statue from his family’s property. The novel, blending friendship and mystery, was spurred by his daughter Amelia’s encouragement, as noted in his Wigtown Book Festival interview. This literary pivot showcases his versatility, adding a creative dimension to his antiques expertise. The book’s success highlights how personal experiences can fuel artistic endeavors, offering readers a glimpse into Braxton’s storytelling ability.

Health and Lifestyle: Embracing Change

During the 2020 COVID lockdown, Braxton adopted the 5:2 diet, consuming 500-600 calories on two days weekly, and abstained from alcohol, losing significant weight. He shared this journey on social media (@jameswbraxton), emphasizing health as a priority. This “extreme” diet, as noted by the British Heart Foundation, requires medical consultation, particularly for those with conditions like diabetes. Braxton’s commitment to fitness reflects a proactive approach to aging, offering inspiration for maintaining vitality in one’s 60s.

James Braxton Biography Table

Unique Insights: The Art of Antiques in a Digital Age

Braxton’s career offers a masterclass in adapting to change. His launch of iBrax.com in 1999 anticipated the digital shift in auctioneering, a bold move when online platforms were nascent. Today, as online auctions dominate, his foresight highlights the importance of embracing technology. For instance, a 2024 Sotheby’s report noted that 60% of auction sales now occur online, a trend Braxton pioneered. His ability to balance traditional expertise with digital innovation sets a blueprint for modern auctioneers.

Additionally, his family’s management of The Lamb Inn reflects a trend among entrepreneurs: diversifying into hospitality to create community hubs. This venture not only boosts his net worth but also strengthens local ties, a model for sustainable business growth. Braxton’s story is a testament to blending passion, adaptability, and family collaboration for lasting success.

Conclusion: A Legacy in Antiques and Beyond

James Braxton’s journey from a reluctant antiques enthusiast to a celebrated auctioneer, TV star, and author is inspiring. At 62 years old, his net worth of £3-5 million, married life with Joanna, and diverse career reflect a life well-lived. His story encourages aspiring professionals to pursue passion with discipline, adapt to change, and maintain personal balance. Follow his journey on Instagram or explore his book on Amazon. For more on his career, visit Wikipedia.