For over a decade, millions of viewers across 52 countries have watched a man in a flat cap climb over piles of rusty chains, dig through damp barns, and haggle with aristocrats. Drew Pritchard is more than just a TV personality; he is the face of modern architectural salvage. But behind the camera, the business of antiques is a high-stakes game of knowledge, timing, and nerve.
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While many know him from Salvage Hunters, the reality of Drew Pritchard’s life in 2026 looks quite different from the early days of the show. He has closed his Conwy base, auctioned off a massive private collection, and set up shop in the “capital of antiques” in the Cotswolds.
Whether you are a long-time fan of the show, an aspiring dealer looking for trade secrets, or simply curious about the man who sold a Mick Jagger toilet, this guide covers everything from his humble beginnings to his current life in Tetbury.
Quick Bio: Drew Pritchard at a Glance
Before diving into the details, here is a snapshot of the Salvage Hunter today.
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Andrew Thomas Pritchard |
| Born | June 1970 (Conwy, Wales) |
| Current Age | 55 (turning 56 in 2026) |
| Showroom Location | 39a Long Street, Tetbury, Cotswolds |
| Estimated Net Worth | $8 million – $10 million (Est.) |
| Marital Status | Remarried (Name private); Divorced Rebecca Pritchard in 2017 |
| Key TV Shows | Salvage Hunters, Salvage Hunters: Classic Cars, Three Men Four Wheels |
The 2026 Update: New Wife, New Shop, New Life
The landscape of Drew Pritchard’s business has shifted significantly in the last two years. If you are looking for him in Conwy, you are looking in the wrong place. After closing his famous Conwy warehouse in May 2022, Drew spent time restoring a Georgian townhouse in Bath, a project detailed in the spin-off series Salvage Hunters: Georgian House Restoration.
However, the biggest news for 2026 is his permanent move to the Cotswolds. In late 2025, Drew officially opened his new antiques showroom in Tetbury. Located on Long Street, he is now surrounded by some of the country’s most prestigious dealers. He described the move as being “blessed,” positioning himself in a hub where serious collectors congregate.
The Private Collection Auction
To facilitate this new chapter, Drew held a massive two-day auction at Dreweatts in Berkshire in March 2024. The sale was a clearing of the decks, consisting of approximately 600 items he had amassed over 30 years.
The results were staggering and proved the “Drew Pritchard effect” on value:
- Total Sales: Over £802,000.
- Star Lot: An engineer’s chest from the Bluebird car series (owned by Sir Malcolm Campbell) sold for over £17,000.
- Surprise Hit: A rare Steamboat Willie fairground ride boat from the 1930s fetched nearly £7,000.
Relationship Status
Privately, Drew has also turned a page. Following his well-publicized divorce from co-presenter Rebecca Pritchard in 2017, Drew has since remarried. While he keeps his new wife’s identity out of the tabloids to maintain privacy, he has confirmed the marriage, marking a settled and happy era in his personal life alongside his business expansion.
Early Beginnings: The £200 Start
Drew Pritchard was not born into money, but he was born into the trade. His father was a sign writer who restored cars and motorbikes on the kitchen table, instilling a love for “junk” in Drew from a young age. By 11, he knew he wanted to be a dealer. By 15, he was an apprentice stained-glass restorer.
But the real business began in 1993. With just £200 in his pocket and a tired VW Beetle as his transport, Drew set up his first “premises” in his parents’ garden next to his dad’s office.
The Stained Glass Hustle
He started by placing an ad in the local paper: “WANTED! Stained glass windows, fireplaces, doors.” The cost of the ad was £15 a week, an astronomical sum for him at the time but it paid off.
- The Strategy: He bought Victorian leaded panes for £2 each from demolition sites.
- The Flip: He sold them to a dealer named Carl for £4 each.
- The Lesson: Carl eventually told him to take the stock to the Newark Antiques Fair himself.
At Newark, Drew learned the power of the market. An American buyer bought his entire stock of windows at £10 to £15 each before 5:30 AM. By breakfast, Drew had £9,000 in cash, more money than he had ever held. He immediately reinvested it in stock, and a dealer was born.
The Business of Salvage: What He Buys
If you browse the new Tetbury showroom or his online catalogue, you won’t just find “old stuff.” Drew’s inventory is meticulously curated. He isn’t looking for perfection; he is looking for originality.
Core Inventory Categories
Drew’s business relies on specific categories that hold value for interior designers and collectors.
| Category | What He Looks For | Famous Examples |
| Architectural Salvage | Original paint, weathering, functional history. | 19th-century wrought-iron racking systems from Salford jail. |
| Seating | Howard & Sons sofas, leather club chairs with wear. | George IV reading chairs, worn leather armchairs. |
| Lighting | Industrial factory lights, opaline glass, theatrical spots. | Opaline pendant lights from a Hebrides church. |
| Garden | Stone urns, statues, weathering (moss/lichen). | 17th-century marble cisterns, composition stone geese. |
| Oddities | Unique provenance, conversation starters. | A Mick Jagger toilet, fairground bumper cars. |
The key differentiator for Drew is patina. He famously advises against over-restoration. A leather chair should look like it has been sat in for 50 years; a stone statue should look like it has weathered storms. If you scrub it clean, you scrub away the value.
Interior Design Philosophy: The “Country House” Look
Drew’s aesthetic is often described as “industrial country house.” It is a blend that shouldn’t work on paper but creates a distinct, cozy, and expensive atmosphere. He mixes gritty industrial items with refined period furniture.
How to Recreate the Look
According to his blog and design notes, the “Country House” style is about comfort and evolution, not a showroom finish.
- Layering is Key: Do not buy everything from one era. Mix a 19th-century velvet sofa with a 1950s industrial lamp.
- Embrace the Worn: A threadbare carpet or a scratched table adds history. It suggests the item has been in the family for generations.
- The “Unfitted” Kitchen: Avoid modern fitted units. Use a freestanding Georgian dresser for plates and a butcher’s block for preparation.
- Statement Lighting: Replace standard ceiling roses with oversized industrial pendants or theatrical spotlights to create drama.
One of his most famous personal items was a toilet cistern he bought from Mick Jagger’s plumber. It combined celebrity provenance with high-quality Edwardian manufacturing, a perfect example of his philosophy that everything in a house should have a story.
Pro Tips for Aspiring Antique Dealers
In his book, How Not to Be an Antiques Dealer, and through various interviews, Drew has shared the hard-won lessons of the trade. If you are looking to flip items for profit, here is his advice.
1. Specialise to Survive
When you start, you cannot know everything about everything. Pick a niche whether it is mid-century ceramics, Georgian glass, or industrial lighting and learn it inside out. Become the expert people go to for that specific thing.
2. Work for Free
Before investing your own capital, work for an auction house or an established dealer. Learn the trade on someone else’s dime. You need to understand how deals are structured, how to spot fakes, and how the logistics work before you risk your own money.
3. The “Mona Lisa” Effect
Drew often talks about the “Mona Lisa” effect in buying. When you see a great piece, you know it instantly. If you have to talk yourself into buying it, walk away. Your gut reaction is usually the same reaction your customer will have.
4. Leave the Dirt On
Never aggressively clean a barn find. That layer of grime might be covering original paint or gilding. Once you strip it, you can never put it back. Let the buyer decide how clean they want it.
Visiting the Showroom: The Tetbury Experience
For those wanting to visit the new HQ, the logistics have changed. The Tetbury showroom operates differently from the old sprawling warehouse in Conwy.
Address:
39a Long Street, Tetbury, Cotswolds, GL8 8AA.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Buying Logistics:
- The Margin Scheme: Drew operates on a global margin scheme. This means VAT is included in the price for UK buyers, which simplifies the math.
- Shipping: They ship globally, specifically catering to the US market. Because they handle high-value items, items are usually wrapped in bubble wrap and cardboard, they reuse packaging where possible to stay eco-friendly.
- Accessibility: Note that the new collection is displayed over four floors, and currently, there is no wheelchair ramp available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Drew Pritchard still married to Rebecca?
No. Drew and Rebecca Pritchard divorced in 2017. However, they continued to work together on Salvage Hunters for years after their separation, maintaining a professional business relationship.
What is Drew Pritchard’s net worth in 2026?
While financial records are private, industry estimates place his net worth between $8 million and $10 million, accrued through his dealership, TV rights, and book sales.
Does Drew Pritchard have children?
Yes, he has two children with his ex-wife Rebecca: a son, Tom, and a daughter, Grace.
Why did Drew Pritchard close the Conwy shop?
He closed the Conwy shop in May 2022 to downsize and shift focus toward his restoration projects in Bath and his eventual move to the antique hub of Tetbury.
What was the most expensive item sold at his 2024 auction?
The top lot was an engineer’s chest from the Bluebird car series, which sold for over £17,000.
Can I sell my antiques to Drew Pritchard?
Yes. You can email his team at sales@drewpritchard.co.uk with photos, measurements, and condition reports. However, they do not offer a general valuation service for items they don’t intend to buy.
Is Salvage Hunters still being filmed?
Drew announced that the 20th series of Salvage Hunters would be his last, marking the end of an era after 14 years and over 240 episodes.
Does Drew Pritchard restore the items himself?
In the early days, yes. Now, he employs a team of specialist restorers (French polishers, upholsterers, electricians) to bring items back to life, though he oversees the aesthetic direction.
What car does Drew Pritchard drive?
Drew is a massive petrolhead. He races a 1958 Volkswagen Beetle and has owned over 100 Volkswagens in his life. He also owns a 1967 Porsche 911.
Where is the new Drew Pritchard shop located?
The new shop is at 39a Long Street, Tetbury, GL8 8AA. It is located on the same street as other high-profile dealers like Lorfords, making it a prime destination for buyers.
Conclusion: The Legacy of a Junkyard Genius
Drew Pritchard’s journey from a £15 newspaper ad to a multi-million-pound empire in the Cotswolds is a testament to the power of a good eye and hard work. He demystified the antique trade, stripping away the pretension and showing the world that “junk” is just history waiting to be polished.
While he may be stepping back from the relentless schedule of TV production, his presence in the antique world is stronger than ever. His move to Tetbury signals a shift from “hunter” to “curator,” focusing on high-quality, unique pieces that define his signature style.
If you are ever in the Cotswolds, a trip to Long Street is essential. Just remember his golden rule: buy what you love, and never, ever scrub off the patina.
