Viki Knott's Salvage Hunters Adventure: From Edinburgh & Beyond!

Adam Erdman 01 Jun 2025

Ever wondered what it takes to unearth hidden treasures and transform them into coveted pieces? Viki Knott, the Scottish antiques dealer and television personality, is living proof that passion, expertise, and a keen eye for the unusual can lead to a captivating career.

For those in the know, it's been no secret that Viki Knott has been quietly making waves in the world of antiques and television. Her recent appearances on shows like "Salvage Hunters," "The Bidding Room," "The Vintage French Farmhouse," and "The Great Antiques Challenge" have solidified her reputation as a knowledgeable and engaging expert. But her journey is more than just on-screen appearances; it's a testament to her dedication to the craft and her entrepreneurial spirit, fueled by a deep-rooted love for antiques and the stories they hold. This year, she reflected on the incredible journey of Junkshopantiques, expressing gratitude to everyone who has supported her and the shop.

Category	Information
Name	Viki Knott
Occupation	Antiques Dealer, Television Personality
Nationality	Scottish
Known For	Appearances on "Salvage Hunters," "The Bidding Room," "The Vintage French Farmhouse," "The Great Antiques Challenge"
Business	Junkshopantiques, Edinburgh
Address	The Basement, 2 Hutchison Terrace, Edinburgh, EH14 1QB
Marriage	Married to John Knott in 2010
Reference Link	Primal Information

Viki's foray into the world of "Salvage Hunters" alongside Drew Pritchard marks a significant chapter in her career. Joining Drew on his travels across the country, she immersed herself in the art of sourcing unique items, gaining invaluable insights along the way. The experience, as she describes it, was both educational and exhilarating. Her participation brought a fresh perspective to the show, injecting a friendly competitive spirit and a collaborative energy that resonated with viewers.

The filming of "The Bidding Room" holds a special place in her heart, particularly because it took place in her hometown of Edinburgh, near where her grandfather once ran a cafe. This connection to her roots adds a layer of personal significance to her television appearances, grounding her amidst the whirlwind of filming and production. Viki recalls the experience as a "whirlwind," triggered by a spontaneous phone call and a flurry of last-minute wardrobe choices. Yet, despite the initial frenzy, she remembers it as an unforgettable time.

Her shop, Junkshopantiques, located in Edinburgh, serves as the heart of her business. It's more than just a retail space; it's a curated collection of antique and vintage curiosities, each with its own story to tell. The shop's eclectic inventory, which changes weekly, reflects Viki's diverse tastes and her commitment to offering unique finds to her customers. Junkshopantiques has also temporarily closed for refit and encourages online shopping.

Viki's involvement extends beyond buying and selling. She also engages in hands-on activities, as evidenced by her visit to a historic cutlery maker in Sheffield alongside Drew Pritchard on "Salvage Hunters." During their visit to Chimo Sheffield, they even had the opportunity to operate the machinery and create spoons, demonstrating her willingness to embrace the craftsmanship behind the antiques she sells.

Her keen eye for unusual pieces extends beyond the workshop. During a visit to Lucky Magpie Salvage, Viki spent half a day exploring the shop and identifying items that piqued her interest, potentially for a challenge she had been given. This highlights her proactive approach to finding unique pieces and her ability to envision their potential within a broader context.

The series "The Vintage French Farmhouse" showcases Viki's international escapades as she joins fellow antique dealers on buying trips to French markets. The dealers compete to sell their French finds online within a single day, adding an element of competition and urgency to the process. This series demonstrates Viki's ability to adapt to different environments and her resourcefulness in sourcing valuable items within a limited timeframe.

Viki's impact extends beyond the screen and the shop. Her presence on social media, particularly her Instagram account, allows her to connect with a wider audience and share her passion for antiques. She uses the platform to showcase new arrivals, highlight interesting finds, and engage with her followers, fostering a community of like-minded individuals who share her appreciation for vintage and antique items.

Her partnership with Drew Pritchard on "Salvage Hunters" has been a defining moment, as the show follows them buying items for Viki's shop in Edinburgh. This collaboration highlights their shared passion for antiques and their ability to work together to unearth hidden gems. The show also introduces viewers to the dynamic between Viki and Drew, showcasing their friendly banter and their mutual respect for each other's expertise.

The dynamics of having multiple antiques dealers on "Salvage Hunters" injects a fresh and exciting element into the show. The friendly competition that arises from these collaborations adds a layer of intrigue, as each dealer strives to find the most unique and valuable items. This dynamic not only enhances the entertainment value of the show but also provides viewers with a glimpse into the competitive nature of the antiques market.

Viki's business, Junkshopantiques, offers a diverse array of items, including antiques, art, and textiles. The shop's unique character is further enhanced by its location in The Basement, a distinctive space that adds to the overall charm and appeal. The shop's online presence complements its physical location, allowing customers to browse and purchase items from the comfort of their own homes.

The online store showcases new arrivals regularly, with photos, sizes, and close-up views available for each item. This attention to detail allows customers to make informed purchasing decisions, even when they cannot physically inspect the items. Viki also shares speedy videos on social media to showcase the latest additions to the shop's inventory, providing a visually engaging way for customers to stay up-to-date on the latest finds.

Viki is known for her keen eye for vintage base kantha quilts, which she sources and sells through her shop. These quilts, with their original mix of colors and designs, are a testament to her appreciation for unique and handcrafted items. She also expresses her gratitude to those who have supported her by using her platform for broadcasts with fellow enthusiasts such as Jon Swanston.

The antiques world has not only seen Viki’s professional life but has also encompassed some personal moments as well. The landmark that occurred when Viki Knott married John Knott in 2010 marked the beginning of a happy time in her life. Their wedding, intimate and simple, was a celebration of their friendship with close family and friends.

On "The Bidding Room," Viki is joined by fellow antiques experts Ian Humphries and Moses Otunla as they explore markets in Occitanie, France. Their challenge is to acquire two interesting objects each and sell them online for a profit within a single day. This episode highlights Viki's ability to adapt to unfamiliar environments and her entrepreneurial spirit in the face of time constraints.

Another series, "The Great Antiques Challenge," follows three British antique dealers as they travel to a French farmhouse on a buying trip. The dealers compete to sell their French finds online in a single day, showcasing their resourcefulness and their ability to identify valuable items within a foreign market. Viki's participation in this series demonstrates her commitment to expanding her knowledge and her business beyond her home country.

Viki's recent projects include filming for Ricochet for Really, which aired from September 18th to November 6th, 2023, comprising eight episodes in one series. This new venture further solidifies her presence in the television industry and her reputation as a knowledgeable and engaging antiques expert.

In essence, Viki Knott's journey is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. From her early days working in her grandfather's cafe to her current success as a television personality and owner of Junkshopantiques, Viki has consistently demonstrated her dedication to the world of antiques. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone who dreams of turning their passion into a successful career. The Junkshopantiques establishment, located at The Basement, 2 Hutchison Terrace, Edinburgh, EH14 1QB, stands as a testament to her accomplishments.