David Battie is a specialist in ceramics and Oriental works of art. He trained as a graphic designer and worked for three years for Reader's Digest before joining Sotheby's in 1965 as a book porter. He was later appointed a director of the company and he retired in 1999. He is now editor of Masterpiece Magazine and is a lecturer and writer. He has written and edited numerous books and articles, including books on 19th-century pottery and porcelain. His appearances on the BBC's ANTIQUES ROADSHOW go back to the first program in 1979.