Hilary Kay: Antiques Roadshow Presenter and Art History Course Curator

Hilary Kay is a name synonymous with expertise in the world of antiques, in part due to her prominent role as a presenter on BBC Television’s Antiques Roadshow. Over her illustrious career, she has become a respected authority in art and antiques. As the curator of the Art History and Appreciation Course at The Art Institute, Hilary used her experience and knowledge to bring together revered figures from the art world, and is pivotal in the creation of this highly respected course. Alongside her own passion for the subject, the course is written by luminaries drawn from national galleries, from major auction houses and from universities, offering students a unique opportunity to learn from esteemed figures in the industry.

Background and Early Career

Hilary Kay's passion for art and antiques started early. She began her career at the prestigious London antique dealers, Spink & Son, In 1977, Hilary’s enthusiasm, knowledge and talent led her to join the world’s largest auction house, Sotheby's. At the age of 21, Hilary made history by becoming Sotheby’s youngest auctioneer and later developed a number of new collecting markets including pioneering the concept of rock and roll memorabilia auctions, showcasing her innovative approach to the industry.

Connection to Antiques Roadshow

In 1979, Hilary Kay joined BBC Television’s Antiques Roadshow, a move that would significantly impact her career and public recognition. As the longest serving Antiques Roadshow presenter and expert, Hilary has been involved in countless memorable discoveries on the show; unearthing, interpreting and appraising some of the programme‘s most fascinating and valuable finds. Her long-standing role has made Hilary a familiar and trusted face to viewers, and her expertise has been instrumental in making the show one of the most widely watched television programmes, watched by tens of millions of viewers around the world.

Expertise, Media Work, and Publications

Beyond her prominent role as an Antiques Roadshow expert, Hilary Kay has made numerous television and radio appearances, further cementing her status as one of the foremost experts in the field of art and antiques. Among her notable projects is her documentary series for BBC Television, "Brilliantly British", where her knowledge, coupled with her engaging presentation style, captivated audiences and showcased the richness of British cultural heritage.

Hilary's expertise is not confined to traditional antiques and collectibles; it also extends to more niche areas such as mechanical antiques, reflecting her fascination with the intricate workings of historical machines. Her passion for rock and roll memorabilia is another distinctive aspect of her career, where she has been a pioneer in recognising and valuing items that capture the essence of this iconic music era. Additionally, Hilary's love for automobiles, particularly classic cars, highlights her broad and eclectic interests, which she seamlessly integrates into her work.

This wide-ranging expertise is also reflected in her written work. Hilary has written and contributed to several authoritative books, including "Rock 'n' Roll Collectables: An Illustrated History of Rock Memorabilia," This was the first text book to be written on the subject and delves into the fascinating world of music memorabilia, offering readers an insightful guide to the history and value of these culturally significant items. Her ability to articulate the stories and historical significance behind objects, whether in print or on screen, underscores her unique position as a leading voice in the art and antiques community.

Affiliation with The Art Institute

At The Art Institute, we are delighted to have Hilary Kay as the presenter and curator of our online Art Appreciation Course. Her involvement brings unmatched prestige and depth to the course. Structured to offer a comprehensive understanding of art history and appreciation, the course benefits greatly from Hilary’s input. She has worked closely with the authors to develop a curriculum that is both informative and inspiring, providing students with insights that come from the lifetime of experience of Hilary and the eminent authors. .

Current Projects and Personal Life

Hilary Kay remains deeply involved in the world of art and antiques through her Art & Antique Events company and her co-created stage show “Have You Had it Long, Madam?"which brings her love of antiques to live audiences in a fun and engaging way. Internationally sought after, Hilary frequently delivers lectures and makes appearances at events worldwide. Hilary’s passion for antiques and art continues to drive her career as she finds new ways to share her knowledge and enthusiasm.

Legacy and Impact

Hilary Kay’s contributions to the fields of antiques and art history are immeasurable. Through her work on Antiques Roadshow and beyond, she has played a crucial role in sparking public interest in antiques and new fields of collecting. Her legacy is further cemented by her role in art education, particularly through her collaboration with The Art Institute. By curating our Art History and Appreciation Course, Hilary is passing on her passion to a new generation of art lovers and professionals, ensuring that her impact will be felt for years to come.

For those interested in art history and antiques, The Art Institute is an unparalleled opportunity to learn more. The expertise, passion, and dedication to the field by Hilary and her team of luminaries from the international art world make this course a truly unique educational experience. Ready to get started? Enrol today.