Man with a Van: My Story

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The emporium helped cement Conwy's position as a top destination for shoppers wanting independent stores and attracted visitors from around the UK and further afield. If like me you were the kid who preferred skips to school and learnt more from lost relics in sheds than lessons – you might be interested in my first book..... "Man With A Van". I like Drew and I enjoy his programmes, I think he is very knowledgeable and has a brilliant eye for quality – which is just as well, otherwise I might be thinking he is a bit of an arrogant ****** after reading this. 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.

The shop was welcomed by local businesses - with Drew attracting Salvage Hunters fans to the area. He had initially looked at plans to expand due to its success but by May 2022 had decided it was time to close up.He says he knows this because when he was dealing in industrial furniture, they were all dealing in industrial furniture. “And when I was dealing in quirky oddments, everyone was buying quirky oddments. And now I predominantly deal in very fine furniture and they’re all doing that now. So it’s just made me up my game again.” The main thing is that I want people to be enthused. They might be terrified for half of it but then they might suddenly go, ‘You know what? I could do that.’ I want people to have a go. The only time to start is now. Right now.” Pritchard has arguably had the trajectory and supernova explosion of a superstar. He and his ex-wife Rebecca, who worked alongside each other and co-starred in Salvage Hunters, ended their marriage in 2017. A turbulent period in his personal life followed, culminating in a ban (now lifted) from pubs in Conwy after a fracas in 2019.

Having simplified his life, Pritchard has big plans in the pipeline. There’s a house in Bath that he is currently restoring, which will take him away from his beloved north Wales.I’ve had a blip in the middle where everything just got too much for me, which I’m over now and working on. I’ve started again from scratch. Rebuilding myself again.”

I’d like to say it was for some other reason, but it was because of me. And that sounds really big-headed, but it just is.”In some respects, the move simply reflects his old mantra about antiques dealing – that items are worth nothing if left unsold in storerooms. Better to move on, get the deal done, progress to the next item. He is, I am beginning to learn, characteristically, dismissive of those who aren’t experts in his field. When I ask about the fashion for brown furniture it is some minutes before he draws breath. In some respects, the move simply reflects his old mantra about antiques dealing – that items are worth nothing if left unsold in storerooms. Better to move on, get the deal done, and progress to the next item. So I ask if, perhaps it was a “worthless” piece of furniture and it’s made someone happy to paint it so they can keep using it where’s the harm? So what are his tips for buying old? Firstly, if you buy an old light he suggests taking it to the “bloke on the high street who fixes your microwave and your telly. Electrics is three wires, there’s no mystery. Clean it up, take it to him and he will fix it for you.”

There's a lot in there you may have heard and a lot you won't have... some wrongs righted and some myths dispelled... Thanks for reading... and here's to the next one... NOW that's really something I want to share... Mr Pritchard is being a bit disingenuous here, I have watched many episodes of Salvage Hunters and a few of the spin off restoration programme. He has not only bought and sold painted furniture, but he has also had his restorers paint pieces. I think his comments amount to ‘I am the arbiter of what is, and is not acceptable’ and hopefully is somewhat tongue in cheek, however passionately expressed. Viewers of the show have been wondering where Pritchard’s good friend is since they last saw Tee during its 8th season. Many questions were raised by the fans since there is also no announcement regarding his leave: “Will Tee ever return to the show?”“Did Drew and Tee have an argument that resulted in his unexpected disappearance?”Within two minutes I realised this house was an absolute gem. Just as the estate agent was walking out, I said, 'I'll give you this much for it. No survey. And I'll give you the deposit immediately. Take it off the market now'. I've been working on it ever since." Over the years I've had some incredible finds, but the one that excites me the most is the next one.'