Man with a Van: My Story, A Lifetime in Salvage

by Drew Pritchard

Sunday Times bestseller

'When I see something old, that I think is beautiful, special, valuable, it's not about the money. It's about being in another time and place.'

Star of TV's Salvage Hunters, Drew Pritchard will go to the greatest lengths for the best deals. He discovered the casts Lord Elgin made of his infamous marbles in a school garage, and broke the bank to buy the tool box Malcolm Campbell used when he set the water speed record in 1934. He made a million. Lost it. And made it again.

The face of the compulsively fascinating business of finding and restoring lost treasures, visionary Drew takes us up and down the country, into garages, factories, schools and pubs, digging out incredible items from that 'other time and place'. Then by lovingly restoring them, he brings our history back to life.

A flat cap among silver spoons and old school ties, our favourite no-bullshit expert may be a one-off, but his story makes us all dream of that obscure piece of antiquity gathering dust in the garden shed...

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Audiobook

ebook

Published May 7, 2020

Reviews

[Matt Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great little book. I’d vaguely heard of ‘The Salvage Hunter’ but hadn’t seen the tv programme. The author charts his career from young lad selling bits and bobs to make a few quid to internationally renowned antique dealer / classic car restorer. A really interesting read for anyone with even a passing interest in old stuff.

[Ryan Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

First airing on UK TV in 2010, I happened upon 'Salvage Hunters' by complete chance whilst channel hopping and have been a huge fan ever since.

Fronted by decorative salvage expert, Drew Pritchard, Drew travels the length and breadth of the UK searching for and buying 'decorative salvage' or industrial antiques; from small pieces worth a few quid to some astronomical finds that wouldn't look out of place on The Antiques Roadshow. However, that is where any comparison to the BBC behemoth ends. Drew is a self-made man and has been salvaging architectural and industrial delights since childhood.

This biography is for fans of the show or fans of antiques, as the book contains a wealth of gems, and a fascinating insight into Drew's life, work and loves. From modernism to modern cars, classic paintings to stained glass windows, the Salvage Hunter enthusiasm for antiques, aesthetics, and British design classics leap from out of the page, and just like the TV show, it is rather infectious. 5/5

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drew Pritchard is the face of TV’s ‘Salvage Hunters’ programmes. This is the story of his life from wayward childhood in North Wales to becoming one of Britain’s leading antique dealers.

It’s a roller coaster journey charting the ups and downs of both his business and personal life. It rather hops around the timeline at times and leaves one or two dangling threads, but overall offers a fascinating insight into both the man and his world. What shines through all of it is an obvious passion for what he does and a love of beautiful objects.

[Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was never a big fan of SALVAGE HUNTERS and I always felt that Drew Pritchard was a little bit too smug for my liking, but nevertheless with a passing interest in the antiques trade I thought I'd give this memoir a look. It's a mix of business and personal, Pritchard reflecting on his childhood interest in motors and antiques and chronicling his own self-made path to success throughout his life. To be honest, my opinion of him hasn't really changed, as there's a lot of self-promotion here which gets a bit wearying at times. The antique dealing stuff is better, and the author is at his best when detailing his love of Turner, Morrison, and antiques in general; his knowledge of the subject is widespread and remarkable and you can forgive him a lot for that. The personal side is pretty shocking at times, detailing battles with alcoholism and the breakdown of two relationships, both of which Pritchard doesn't come well out of. I didn't like the sections on the author's passion for various vehicles as these felt a bit too petrolhead-y and off-topic for me. Otherwise it's a not-bad read.

[Matthew Ogborn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three and a half stars for this honest and often fascinating account of Pritchard’s life as a salvage expert and then antique dealer. I have always admired his knowledge and dedication from his TV show, and it shines through in this book from his childhood interest that blossomed with certain mentors, a cheeky approach to life and an early vision of what he wanted from life. Wish there had been a bit less about the last few years and more about the 2000-2019 period, but a minor quibble for a fun read.

[Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Salvage Hunters and from what I’d seen of Drew and ‘T’ on the show I like them both in their roles.
This book is a strange balance of informative and self-agrandising.
I enjoyed reading about Drew’s background and what had got him into the antiques business but the book deflected away from parts of his life that have been difficult including failed relationships.
The book was a complete punt in terms of looking for something different. It served its purpose in that regard but I can’t say I completely enjoyed it throughout

[Bill McFadyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have enjoyed Salvage Hunters and the sun offs for many years on Quest TV. I was interested in Drew Pritchard and what made him tick - and how he kept all his plates spinning successfully.
The book has given me an insight into what enthuses him , he does have many skills and the energy and mindset to be successful in business - not so sure on other aspects of his life. Anyhow good luck to him now and in the future.

[Geert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having grown up with my own grandfather as an antique dealer, Drew's show has always held a special place in my heart, capturing my attention with profound fascination. This book takes a compelling plunge into Drew's life story, encompassing not only the remarkable moments but also the poignant struggles he encountered along the way. It's an engrossing narrative that weaves a tapestry of emotions, making for a truly remarkable read.

[Mr Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read of salvage hunting from the veteran in a van

Drew Pritchard talks the reader through his life, his deals and love of old things, not always of the fine art variety. It’s interesting to hear how he got his knowledge and the ups and downs of his life, including becoming a tv veteran on the road. It finishes all too quickly, wanting the next volume!

[Brian Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

One for the road

A large part of the book is very interesting and I have watched Drew on the television many times .I also saw him in person outside his shop in Conway but did not have the courage to speak to him.overall a good read anyone who manages to combine work and pleasure is a lucky man.😀

[Debbie Duncalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of Drew and his programmes which are very good watching I wanted to find out more about Drew the person. This self penned book, gives its reader an honest unbiased look into his life and just how much he loves what he does. Good read, very well written. Worth a read if you like what Drew does.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy watching the programme Salvage Hunters, and I find Drews' travels, the places he has access to & the wonderful objects he finds & restores very interesting ..

This Book tells you more about the Man under the Cap !

[Jason Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight into the king of Salvage Hunters, Drew Pritchard. I've always admired his honesty and knowledge and his great services to the art of antique dealing. Some funny anecdotes too!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the TV show and antiques interest me. Found the car sections boring, but cars aren't my passion. The antiques bits were interesting.

[Maarten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast read, enjoyable life story.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I get a weird joy from watching people travel around the country buying things. I can’t really explain why!

[Olivia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found it quite boring and hard to read

[Michelle Halliday · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved reading about Drew's life and his brilliance as an antique dealer

[Alexis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Non sono già una grande fan delle biografie o autobiografie, ma mi piace il suo programma.
Purtroppo nel frattempo credo che abbia venduto il negozio di Convy ecc... però ero curiosa di saperne di più. Credo che un buon editor avrebbe sistemato la narrazione che salta troppo e si perde troppo a raccontare alcuni fatti, tralasciando tutto il resto.
Peccato poi venire a sapere alcune cose sul suo conto.

[Mandy Marr · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my opinion not enough about the man with a van and too much art history that made me glaze over. The parts about his life were interesting. Bit disappointed to be honest though parts kept me going and I finished it quickly.

[Paul Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the show (It got me through lockdown!) but the book tells you nothing much new if you've watched the shows. Cards are still very close to chest and you feel there could have been more, to reveal the man behind the show.