Would It Surprise You To Know…?

by Ronnie Archer-Morgan, Janet Gleeson

'Ronnie has overcome a heart-breaking start in life to achieve great success and no one deserves it more. What a dude, what a life!' - Fiona Bruce'Brilliant...a mercurial memoir of a meritorious life.' - Lemn Sissay For decades, Ronnie Archer-Morgan has brought to life the fascinating, often surprising backstories behind our most cherished heirlooms and household objects on the Antiques Roadshow. Now, he tells his own unlikely story. Born in the fifties to a Sierra Leonean mother battling mental health problems, Ronnie spent his childhood in and out of care. After difficult beginnings, marked by abuse, racism and brushes with both criminals and the police, he got into music, managing to get DJ gigs and, later, worked as a celebrity hairdresser for Vidal Sassoon and Smile in the height of seventies London. A flair for spotting antiques led him to start his own Knightsbridge gallery, ultimately becoming one of the most respected figures in the industry, culminating in a regular spot as an expert on the nation's Sunday favourite, Antiques Roadshow. Told with rich warmth, this is an extraordinary journey from deprivation and abuse to adventure and success against the odds - with stories of the incredible objects which shaped the way.'A surprising story, like many of the objects he appraises on the Antiques Roadshow' - Kate Adie, broadcaster and bestselling author'A fascinating, rollercoaster read, very well told.' - Times

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 2022

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book. I love the way it is set out: each chapter starts off with an antique and then links in with going through his life. Ronnie comes across as a lovely man and it was an honour to learn more about him.

[E M S B · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extraordinary life of Ronnie Archer-Morgan, just how he's survived it and with such good grace I do not know. Known mostly for his expertise on Antiques Road Show, but this is such a small part of his life from being in care homes & foster homes to abusive mother. Well worth the read and to hear him speaking about how he became a collector & expert.

[Chrissie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Ronnie’s book and am lucky to have heard him being interviewed on Saturday Live which made me curious to know more.
It was fascinating to read about his life which is generously and thoughtfully written, without rancour.

A great read.

Beautifully described and emotive with each chapter being brought to life with it’s own antique object.

[Gordon Tyrrall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I happened to be present at the opening scene in this book, at Castle Howerd where Ronnie met up with Sooty and Sweep in a very moving encounter. I'd never been to an Antiques Roadshow event before. He comes across as a calm,likeable, very knowledgeable character. This autobiography reveals a very difficult upbringing and many challenges throughout his life. It's a riveting read - he's certainly lived a very full life, and it is heartening how he has not become bitter. I would never read a "celebrity memoir" but this is far more than that. There's a bit of name-dropping ( which I loved), like when Marvin Gaye accidentally wanders into his hair-dressing salon when they have closed and they sit chatting for an hour. He encounters racism now and again but it tends to be sporadic(although the met police don't come out well) and he says that in Britain he's rarely aware of his colour -(very different in apartheid South Africa though).
The writing style is plain and simple - probably best that way. I felt I gained some insights from this book though.

[Kate Hendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the few programmes i avidly watch on TV is AR on a Sunday evening. Ronnie has been a welcome addition to. So when i saw his autobiography on Borrowbox audio I had to listen. It’s a shocking recount of all three abuses racial/physical and verbal. But the rejection by his mother is added burden and shaped his approach to himself. Despite all the negatives Ronnie has achieved hugely in life skills and personality. He is the same age as my husband , it’s a story of today!! I am a retired NHS professional and found his treatment as inpatient in i believe 1980’s abhorrent. The offhand and racial prejudice of the staff did not ring true with my experiences. I would recommend this as a book of triumph over continued adversity.

[Liz Lev · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down. What an amazing life Ronnie has had. I love his style of writing, and the way he began each chapter with the story of an antique he’d come across and then how it related to his life. Being a Londoner myself growing up in the 70’s/80’s going to the 100 club and very much loving the soul and jazz funk music scene, I found his story all the more relatable. He’s come from such a dark place and managed to turn his life around. I love the way he’s so positive, and always assumes kindness from people, only to be disappointed when let down by so many “friends”, but when others are kind and thoughtful those have become true loyal friends. What an absolutely fascinating read.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting read from the man who most of us know from Antiques Roadshow.

I didn't know anything about Ronnie's early life so it was a surprise to me to read about his early life and finding out the struggles with his mother and being raised by adoptive parents mostly. I felt the story was very well written, describing his early life and the things he did when he was younger, right through to what got him interested in watches and antiques. It was a really interesting read. I enjoy a biography anyway so if you like biographies you will enjoy this.

It's always good to be nosy into someone else's life and this was a very well written read.

[Jill Shaw Ruddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Told with rich warmth, this is an extraordinary book about an extraordinary man. His journey from deprivation and abuse to adventure and success against all odds. I loved it ! Thank you Linda Grosse for recommending this to our book group before looking down on us from a better place. We miss you

[Robert Burgon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-known from antique programmes on BBC, this autobiography reveals the hardship and pain which Archer-Morgan endured in his early years. An excellent, if sad, story.

[Alison.A.Bellbtinternet.Com · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shocking childhood. Had a lot of disasters but bounced back.Still didn't feel I really knew him. Feel he held back not on events but his feelings.Did he get all he wanted.Very talented guy.