Gemma Longworth is a multi-talented British creative professional based in Liverpool, England. Known for her expertise in DIY design, furniture upcycling, and creative wellness, she has gained recognition as a presenter on Channel 4’s popular restoration TV series “Find It, Fix It, Flog It.” Beyond television, Gemma is a passionate artist, entrepreneur, and advocate for using creativity as a tool for healing and self-expression.
With her skilled approach to breathing new life into forgotten items, Gemma has established herself as a respected figure in the world of sustainable design and creative restoration. Her work extends beyond television to include social enterprise initiatives, art therapy programs, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Gemma Longworth Biography
Born on May 12, 1985, in Liverpool, England, Gemma Longworth experienced a life-changing event at age 11 when her eight-year-old brother Sean tragically died in an accident on August 8, 1996. Sean was playing hide-and-seek in the street when he was hit by a reversing car while hiding between two parked vehicles. This profound loss would later influence Gemma’s career path and commitment to helping others through creative expression.
Gemma pursued her education with a focus on arts and design. At 17, she attended the City of Liverpool College, where she completed her Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education (AVCE) in Art & Design. She continued her educational journey at the University of the West of England, earning a BA in Drawing & Applied Arts, followed by a Master’s degree in Textiles at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Gemma Longworth Career
Gemma Longworth has become a familiar face to viewers of Channel 4’s “Find It, Fix It, Flog It,” where she works alongside restoration experts Henry Cole and Simon O’Brien. On the show, she showcases her exceptional skills in furniture upcycling and restoration, helping to transform unwanted items into valuable pieces while promoting sustainable practices.
Her natural charm, extensive design knowledge, and ability to see potential in discarded objects have made her a standout figure on the program. When not filming, Gemma continues her upcycling work, selling her restored pieces at venues like MerseyMade in Liverpool.
In 2008, Gemma launched The Button Boutique, where she serves as creative director. This venture combines her passion for art, fashion, and education, offering a space where people can embrace creativity and express themselves through art and craft workshops. The boutique also specializes in women’s clothing, featuring categories such as tops, dresses, trousers, knitwear, coats, jackets, shoes, and accessories.
The Button Boutique operates both as a physical store located at 46 Winter Hey Lane, Horwich, Bolton BL6 7NX, and through an online platform, making Gemma’s creative vision accessible to a wider audience.
More recently, Gemma has founded Hidden Gems CIC, a social enterprise focused on creative wellness and bereavement support. Drawing from her personal experience with grief following her brother’s death, she developed programs that use art as a healing tool. Through workshops, one-on-one sessions, and creative activities, Hidden Gems helps individuals process emotions and cope with grief in positive, constructive ways.
Gemma’s personal loss inspired her to create “I Need Help,” an art therapy book designed to assist children dealing with bereavement. Available free of charge from the Alder Centre, Alder Hey’s bereavement service, the interactive book features a bear character that guides children through activities aimed at expressing and processing grief.
As a freelance artist, Gemma also runs art and craft workshops at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, as well as schools and private parties. Her workshops serve both entertainment and therapeutic purposes, reflecting her belief in art as a powerful tool for self-expression and healing.
One of Gemma’s significant professional endeavors includes the revamp of the Sir Thomas Hotel in Liverpool city centre. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the listed building temporarily closed, Gemma was brought in to help with its sustainable redecoration. Rather than replacing the existing furniture, she applied her upcycling expertise to give high-quality pieces a fresh, new look, demonstrating her commitment to sustainability.
In February 2023, she hosted a “Paint Yourself Positive” workshop during the Wellness in The City event, further showcasing her dedication to promoting creative wellness.
Gemma Longworth Personal Life
Gemma Longworth married Michael Barker on September 25, 2019. The couple lives together in Liverpool along with their dog, Deidre. While maintaining a relatively private personal life, Gemma occasionally shares glimpses of their life together on social media.
Her relationship with Michael is characterized by mutual support and shared interests in design and creativity. Despite rumors linking her professionally to fellow “Find It, Fix It, Flog It” presenter Guy Willison, their relationship is strictly professional.
Gemma Longworth Net Worth
As of late 2024, Gemma Longworth’s estimated net worth is between $600,000 and $800,000. This wealth stems from multiple income streams, including her television career, entrepreneurial ventures, art workshops, creative wellness programs, and sales from her boutique.
Gemma on Upcycling
Gemma is passionate about sustainability and the environmental benefits of upcycling. “If you can re-use whatever you can, it’s going to benefit the planet massively,” she has stated. She notes that upcycling prevents furniture from ending up in landfills, saves money on replacements, and reduces waste.
Her top advice for aspiring upcyclers emphasizes the importance of preparation: “Always do your prep work, is rule number one. People don’t want to do the cleaning, they don’t want to do the repairs, they don’t want to do the sanding, but it’s well worth it.”
Gemma observed that interest in upcycling increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people spent more time at home and became interested in updating their surroundings.