Lars Tharp

Lars Broholm Tharp (born 27 March 1954) is a Danish-born British historian, lecturer and broadcaster, and one of the longest running 'experts' on the BBC antiques programme, Antiques Roadshow, first appearing in 1986.

Early life and education Tharp was born in Copenhagen on 27 March 1954, the son of Harry Tharp and Anne Marie Broholm. After moving to England aged six, Lars was educated at Wyggeston Grammar School for Boys in Leicester, England, before studying for an undergraduate degree in Archaeology and Anthropology at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge.

Representing Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge, he joined team-members Helen Castor, Mark Damazer (captain) and Quentin Stafford-Fraser to win the Alumni University Challenge 2013.

Tharp is a noted William Hogarth enthusiast. Noting the artist's theatrical use of ceramics in his paintings and prints, he wrote "Hogarth's China" to accompany an exhibition timed to commemorate the artist's tercentenary (1997). The exhibition was expanded and ran at Wedgwood in the following year.

Tharp devised three further exhibitions for York Museum Trust under the umbrella "Celebrating Ceramic"' (2003). He was a member of YMT's steering group setting up their Centre of Ceramic Art (CoCA).

Tharp has received two honorary doctorates: from De Montfort University (HonDArt); and from Leicester University (HonDLitt) and was elected Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London in 2010. He serves on the court of England's oldest recorded guild, the Worshipful Company of Weavers (est. by 1130 AD).

An accredited speaker for (inter alia) The Arts Society (NADFAS), Tharp lectures throughout Europe, Asia and Australasia and leads cultural tours to China, Dresden, Scandinavia and within the UK.

In February 2021, Tharp was made a Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire.

Personal life Tharp lives in Leicestershire with his wife Gillian Block, whom he married in 1983. They have two daughters, Helena and Georgina, who share a birthday.

Apart from antiques, Tharp has a particular interest in music, having played the cello since the age of eight. He also lists travel among his interests, leading cultural tours in Britain, China and Scandinavia.

Media appearances

Television All BBC unless stated: Quizeum (2015) – panellist University Challenge (Alumni) – panellist Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge (series winner, 2013/4) One Man and his Pug -in search of Hogarth's 'Trump' (2013 China in Six Easy Pieces (2013) – presenter, writer Treasures of Chinese Porcelain (2011) – presenter, co-writer Fragile History of Ceramics: Handmade in Britain (2011) – expert The Antiques Roadshow (1986–2024) – expert The Real Collector's Guide (1995) – presenter (Channel One, London) Antiques Inspectors (1997, 1999) – expert Inside Antiques (2004) – presenter Castle in the Country (2004–2008) – expert

Radio Hidden Treasures (1998–2002) – chairman/ co-writer Out of the Fire (2000) – presenter For What It's Worth (2002–2006) – presenter Archive Hour (Radio 4): Men in Bow Ties (2007) – presenter On the China Trail (2007) – presenter Earth to Earth: Potted Immortality (2009) – presenter Twenty Minutes: There's Something About the Cello (2011) – presenter A journey around Hans Christian Andersen (2005 – co-presenter with Michael Rosen)

Publications The Little, Brown Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Antiques (ed. with Paul Atterbury), 1994 Hogarth's China: Hogarth's Paintings and Eighteenth-century Ceramics, 1997 Reader's Digest: Treasures in Your Home (with David Battie) How to Spot a Fake, 1999 A-Z of 20th Century Antiques (ed.), 2000 ‘’Hogarth and Europe’’(Tate 2021-2022 exhibition catalogue, contributor) 2021