When it comes to British television personalities who have made their mark in the antiques world, few names resonate quite like Adrian Higham. Known affectionately as Adi Higham by his fans, this charismatic dealer captured hearts across the nation with his appearances on the BBC’s popular show, The Bidding Room. But beyond the cameras and the charm, many people are curious about one particular question: what exactly is Adrian Higham net worth?
The antique dealer’s financial success story is as fascinating as the treasures he discovers. With decades of experience in the trade and a television career that brought him into millions of homes, understanding his wealth offers insight into both his professional achievements and personal journey.
Who is Adrian Higham?
Background and Early Life
Born in 1969 in the United Kingdom, Adrian Higham is currently 56 years old as of 2025. While the specific details of his birth date remain private, what’s clear is that this British citizen has built an impressive career that spans over three decades. According to some sources, he was born on September 4, 1969, in Brookland, Kent, United Kingdom.
Adrian has always maintained a certain level of privacy regarding his early life and family background. His educational history isn’t well documented, though he appears well educated and clearly possesses the business acumen that has served him well throughout his career.
Career Overview
Adi Higham started dealing in antiques at 21, renovating and selling old signs that read “HELLO!” His entry into the antiques world came from an unexpected source. When Adrian was young, he bought a mountain bike at a local village auction for £10 and sold it for £90. That impressive profit margin of eight times the buying price proved to be a defining moment, showing him his natural talent for spotting value and making successful deals.
What truly catapulted Adrian Higham into the spotlight was his appearance on BBC1’s reality show, The Bidding Room. The program features Aidy Bidding Room personality alongside other expert dealers, competing to purchase unique items brought in by hopeful sellers. His impressive bidding skills and likable personality made him famous on the show.
According to his Pickstar profile, Adi describes himself as a larger-than-life character with a love of teddy bears, boasting about his fantastic bidding skills and claiming to be one of the best bidders who would command any room.
Sources of Income
Primary Career Earnings
The foundation of Adrian Higham net worth comes from his antique-dealing business. Adrian runs an antique store called Hoof Brocante, located in two old buildings on an old RAF base out on the Romney Marshes on the East Sussex/Kent border. The successful business describes itself as “specialists in French decorative antiques, art, interior design, furniture, clothing and classic brocante”.
His business partner, Tara Franklin, plays a crucial role in their operations. Together, they’ve built a reputation for sourcing unique French antiques and decorative items. Adrian has a deep affection for France, and he and his partner now reside in the Pays de la Loire, where they amass a collection of used leather chairs.
Secondary Income Streams
Beyond his brick-and-mortar antique shop, Adrian Higham has diversified his income through several channels:
Television Appearances: His role on The Bidding Room brought both fame and financial compensation. The exposure from the BBC show also drove significant traffic to his business, with fans visiting Hoof Brocante specifically because of his television presence.
Social Media Presence: On Instagram, Adrian posts under the handle “@hoof.antiques_brocante” and has a following of 7.9k users. This platform allows him to showcase inventory and connect directly with customers and collectors.
Public Appearances: As a recognized television personality, Adrian participates in antique fairs and other events, further diversifying his income streams.
Net Worth Breakdown
Current Estimated Net Worth
Adrian Higham is estimated to have a net worth of $1 million, according to several sources. Some reports suggest varying figures, with one source indicating his net worth is about $4 million, including his business, though the more commonly cited figure remains around $1 million.
He has accumulated his massive net worth from his antique-selling business and his successful venture into the entertainment industry.
Assets and Business Holdings
Adrian Higham’s wealth is tied up in several key assets:
Hoof Brocante: His primary business asset —the antique shop — represents decades of inventory accumulation, customer relationships, and brand equity. The unique location on a former RAF base adds character and appeal to the operation.
French Property: Adrian and Tara Franklin reside in the Pays de la Loire in France, where they source much of their inventory. This strategic location allows them direct access to French decorative antiques and brocante items.
Inventory: Specializing in 18th and 19th-century French decorative antiques, Adrian’s inventory includes furniture, mechanical objects like motorcycles and steam engines, toys, and various collectibles.
Personal Life: Adrian Higham, Partner and Family
Tara Franklin and Adi Higham
The story of Adrian Higham wife is one marked by both joy and tragedy. Adrian Higham’s first wife passed away in 2003. This devastating loss had a profound impact on his life, leading to significant personal challenges that he would later confront.
Adrian is happily married to his long-time partner, Tara Franklin. However, she is not the TV personality’s first wife. Tara Franklin, who would later become his wife, was his spouse at the time. Adrian may also count Tara as one of his business partners. She, too, is involved in the antiques trade.
In addition, Tara is responsible for organizing the Penshurst Vintage & Antiques Fair. Her expertise and organizational skills complement Adrian’s eye for antiques, making them a formidable team in both business and life.
Adi Higham Weight Loss Journey
One of the most inspirational aspects of Adrian Higham’s story is his health transformation. When Adrian’s first wife passed away in 2003, he gained massive weight, and his weight even caused him to pass out on a ship in 2015.
His weight ballooned to 25 stone initially, and by 2015, he collapsed on a ferry because he was 36 stone in weight. This health crisis became a wake-up call for the antique dealer.
In 2017, Adrian was selected for the Prudential Ride London Fixing Challenge, which included personalized fitness training and diet and lifestyle advice to help him regain his health. The challenge culminated with him taking part in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100, a 100-mile ride around the capital and into the Surrey hills.
Speaking about his health journey, Adrian said: “Two years ago, I collapsed on a ferry because I was 36 stone in weight. I’d had all the shock tactics to try to make me lose weight but I was rushed into hospital and still did nothing about it”. His family is rife with diabetes, so he decided he wanted to break the mold.
The Adi Higham weight loss transformation represents not just a physical change, but a complete lifestyle overhaul that has allowed him to continue pursuing his passion for antiques with renewed energy and health.
Life After The Bidding Room
Current Status and Activities
Many expected Adrian to go with the fame after appearing on BBC1’s reality TV show, The Bidding Room, but it seems he has chosen to keep away from the media. His absence has left people wondering about his whereabouts.
Despite stepping back from the television spotlight, Adi Higham continues to run his successful antique business. He remains active on social media, particularly TikTok, where he connects with his fanbase and shares glimpses of his daily life in the antiques trade.
The decision to maintain a lower profile doesn’t mean retirement. Instead, it reflects a choice to focus on the core business that built his reputation in the first place – sourcing, dealing, and selling exceptional antiques.
Adrian Higham Wikipedia and Online Presence
While Adrian Higham Wikipedia and Adi Higham Wikipedia entries may not be extensively detailed, information about this beloved television personality can be found across various platforms. His professional profile showcases his expertise in French decorative antiques and his three decades of experience in the field.
For those searching for Adi Higham or information about his business, Hoof Brocante maintains an active online presence, allowing collectors and enthusiasts to view inventory and stay connected to upcoming acquisitions.
Comparison to Industry Peers
In the world of antique dealing and television personalities, Adrian Higham net worth of approximately $1 million places him in a comfortable position. Many antique dealers who haven’t achieved television fame often struggle to reach this level of financial success, highlighting how his BBC appearances significantly boosted his earning potential.
Compared to other dealers on The Bidding Room, Adrian’s combination of business acumen, television charisma, and specialized knowledge of French antiques has carved out a unique niche that supports his wealth accumulation.
Future Financial Outlook
The antiques market continues to evolve, with growing interest among younger generations in sustainable, vintage, and unique pieces. This trend bodes well for established dealers like Adrian Higham, who have decades of expertise and strong supplier relationships in France.
His brand recognition from The Bidding Room, combined with his active social media presence, positions him well for continued success. Whether through online sales, in-person visits to Hoof Brocante, or potential future television opportunities, the foundation for financial growth remains solid.
The relationship between Tara Franklin and Adi Higham as business partners also strengthens the outlook for the future. Their combined expertise and complementary skills create a sustainable business model that can weather market fluctuations.
Conclusion
Adrian Higham’s net worth represents more than just a monetary figure. It’s a testament to three decades of dedication to the antiques trade, the courage to overcome personal tragedy and health challenges, and the ability to connect with audiences both in person and on television.
From that first £10 mountain bike purchase that sparked a career, to becoming a household name on The Bidding Room, Adrian Higham has built a life centered around his passion for discovering and sharing beautiful, historic objects. His partnership with Tara Franklin ensures that Hoof Brocante’s legacy continues to thrive.
While he may have stepped back from the television spotlight, Adi Higham remains a respected figure in the antiques world. His estimated net worth of $1 million reflects successful business operations, smart career decisions, and the value of expertise built over decades.
For fans who fell in love with his larger-than-life personality and genuine passion during his appearances on Aidy Bidding Room, the story of Adrian Higham serves as an inspiration, showing that with dedication, authenticity, and resilience, it’s possible to turn a passion into both a fulfilling career and financial success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Adrian Higham worth?
According to multiple sources, Adrian Higham has a net worth of approximately $1 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his antique dealing business and his television career.
What is Adrian Higham’s primary source of income?
Adrian Higham’s primary source of income is his antique business, Hoof Brocante, which specializes in French decorative antiques. His secondary income comes from television appearances and his role on the BBC’s The Bidding Room.
How did Adrian Higham make his money?
Adrian started dealing in antiques at age 21 after buying a mountain bike for £10 and selling it for £90, which sparked his career. Over three decades, he built Hoof Brocante into a successful business, later gaining additional income and exposure through The Bidding Room.
Is Adrian Higham’s net worth increasing or decreasing?
While Adrian Higham has stepped back from regular television appearances, he continues to run his successful antiques business. His established reputation, online presence, and specialized expertise suggest his net worth remains stable with growth potential.
What does Adrian Higham do for a living?
Adrian Higham is a professional antique dealer and television personality. He owns and operates Hoof Brocante with his partner Tara Franklin, specializing in 18th and 19th-century French decorative antiques, furniture, and collectibles.
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