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Me by Natasha Raskin Sharp

Natasha Raskin Sharp (MA 2010) is a television presenter best known for presenting the BBC’s ‘Bargain Hunt’, and is an expert on art and antiques. Her career was set in motion by her Art History studies at UofG, after which she began learning her trade in the high-energy world of Glasgow auction house McTear’s. Natasha has fronted programmes such as ‘Celebrity Antiques Road Trip’ and ‘Flog It!’, and along with her TV work, presents a weekly show on BBC Radio Scotland where she plays music ranging from '70s soul and jazz to fuzzy garage rock. 

What’s been your most exciting moment as an auctioneer? 
The sale of a Samuel J Peploe still life painting while I was with McTear’s. I found it in a lady's spare bedroom after I'd been told to go to her home and value some china and necklaces. She told me to look around to see if anything else jumped out at me. She knew exactly what she had, she was just putting me to the test! The vendor was in her mid-90s and, in her day, young female auctioneers weren't the norm, so I think that's why she decided to go with us. In the end, I wasn't on the rostrum but I did have the winning bidder on the phone – it was a real thrill.  

"At £185,000, the Peploe is still the most valuable item that McTear's has ever sold. So I feel like I played my part as an auctioneer in its long auction house history." 

How did you feel the first time you ran your own auction? 
Terrified, to be honest. I was still working in the shipping department at McTear's but I decided to be gallus and ask if I could go on the rostrum – and it paid off. I remember being quite chuffed with myself – I thought I’d smashed it – but my mum secretly filmed me on her phone and when I saw it, I realised that I was like a rabbit in the headlights. I looked petrified! I cringed watching the footage, but I’m so pleased that I did that – as soon as I saw it, I thought, I need another crack at that ... and I need to do much better!

What was your most surprising find on ‘Bargain Hunt’ or ‘Antiques Road Trip’? 
A recent purchase in a shop in Portobello, Edinburgh – a stunning 18th-century teapot from China ... or so I thought. I showed it to my 'Antiques Road Trip' counterpart, Tim [Medhurst] and he said, "That looks 17th century to me, and it's not a teapot, it’s a punch pot," which is quite rare. I had just assumed it was a larger style of teapot – Tim's knowledge is almost unrivalled. It's a good thing we weren't shopping together that day – he would have spotted it much more swiftly than I did!  

Natasha presenting 'Bargain Hunt: Around the Globe' from the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. Image: BBC Studios 

You’ve been lucky enough to try out many different experiences in the course of your work – what's been the most memorable of these? 
Definitely learning how to conduct the BBC Concert Orchestra as they played the ‘Bargain Hunt’ theme tune at Maida Vale [the BBC studios in London]. An unforgettable experience. I had to do it properly – it turns out musicians really do pay attention to the conductor! They were very kind to me because each time I tried, I completely lost the plot. We got there in the end after several attempts – it was a real masterclass. 

Who’s been your favourite person to work with? 
On each ‘Antiques Road Trip’, you’re basically forced to become friends with your co-presenter ... it's a good thing they're so charming, really. After 15 days on the road – ten shopping days and five auctions – you become very close. I love everyone dearly, but Philip Serrell and I have done four 'Antiques Road Trip's together and countless 'Bargain Hunt's, so he holds a very special place in my heart. 

Natasha and her co-presenter on 'Antiques Road Trip', Philip Serrell. Image: BBC Studios

Have you had a moment on a show that’s been emotional or tugged at the heartstrings? 
When we film ‘Celebrity Antiques Road Trip’, the production always tries to find a story of local interest to explore that might resonate with our celebrity guest. When working on an episode with BBC journalist John Simpson, the erstwhile war correspondent, they wanted to source a story with a connection to military history. In a nearby museum, they found an exhibit about a soldier who escaped from Colditz, Captain Julius Green. As the story began to unfold, I started to think that it sounded rather familiar. I snuck off to phone my dad and asked, “Why does this ring a bell?” Extraordinarily, it turned out that the captain's son is one of my dad's best friends. It was a genuine coincidence and learning about his wartime experiences (alongside John Simpson, no less) was really quite emotional. 

Do you collect art and antiques yourself, or are you more of a minimalist at home? 
I've picked up a ton of trinkets in my time and I love to buy affordable artworks, too. I have a fantastic oil painting by Alexander Graham Munro [1903–1985] that only cost £100 or so – it's big and unfinished, so there wasn't much competition at the auction. People are becoming increasingly interested in his work, so I think we did well! 

"A good tip – if you go to an auction house and see something huge, don't assume that size equals value.

You travel a lot for work – what goes with you in your suitcase that you can’t live without? 
I always take about 1,700 pairs of shoes, because you have no idea where you'll be filming and what the weather will be like. When we step away from the antique shops to film little inserts, we quite often find ourselves up the side of a mountain, on a dairy farm, in a rewilding project ... so a selection of suitable footwear is a must. 
 
What’s your most treasured possession? 
Taxidermy's not for everyone, but we have an ethically sourced piece by Polly Morgan that I absolutely adore. I had a clock made for my husband Joe's 30th birthday and I treasure that, too. It's based on one designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh that you can see in the Kelvingrove Museum.  

What is your happiest memory? 
The day my daughter Jean was born – the best day ever. When they handed her to me, I said, Oh, wow – a wee boy. Everyone looked at me, looked at one another ... what can I say? It had been a long day! That's my happiest memory, for sure. 
 
How would you spend the perfect day? 
It would probably involve swimming, which I never actually do, but in my head, it's part of the perfect day. My hair would fall (uncharacteristically) perfectly after said swim, then Joe, Jean and I would go out, have a delicious meal and spend the evening sitting on some sort of hilltop, watching the sun go down. Maybe in Kelvingrove Park, facing the University – that's a lovely spot. 
 

Memories of Glasgow  

Why did you choose UofG? 
I originally started out studying law at Leeds University, but I dropped out pretty swiftly. I wasn't quite ready to leave home and, as it turned out, I possessed zero aptitude for the law! So I asked a friend what he was studying. He said history of art, and told me I’d love it. It made sense – I grew up in a creative household surrounded by lovely objects and I thought, yeah, that works. 

What sort of student were you? Head in the books or down the union? 
Down in the QM, but not necessarily drinking! Gigging and eating. I'm not a big drinker, but I really enjoyed being in the union during the day and going at night for gigs. In my final year, I was more 'head in the books' – wish I'd done that sooner!

What clubs or societies were you a part of? 
I regret not being part of any – alas, I was too busy working. I always had a job in a restaurant or a bar – I worked my way down Ashton Lane.  

Where was your favourite place to hang out on campus? 
The library – I spent a lot of time on level 11 (talking too loudly, I fear). I wasn't the most diligent student, but I did love spending time in the Uni library. Fond memories!

After interviewing artist Tracey Emin for Radio 4's 'Front Row', Natasha would like to do more work for the station in future. “The idea of being broadcast on Radio 4 was so daunting and yet so thrilling, it really made me concentrate and was a total career highlight.”  

Natasha's website 
Natasha's BBC Radio Scotland page

Natasha Raskin Sharp - Alumni Summer Spotlight - University of Glasgow

Natasha in the spotlight (above). For more like this, check out our full Alumni Spotlight series.

This article was first published in June 2025.

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