'Hugely popular television presenter and a giant in the world of antiques' Henry Sandon. Photo: Screenshot / BBC
By Sophie Madden for the BBC
Former Antiques Roadshow expert Henry Sandon has died at the age of 95.
His son John confirmed he died peacefully at a care home in Malvern, Worcestershire, on Christmas morning.
Appointed curator of the Dyson Perrins Museum at the Royal Worcester factory in 1967, Sandon joined BBC One's Antiques Roadshow in 1979.
John Sandon, who too became a face on the show, said his father was like a "favourite uncle" to those who tuned in each week.
He added his father was "a hugely popular television presenter and a giant in the world of antiques" a well as being "synonymous with Worcester, due to his enthusiasm for Royal Worcester pots and his infectious personality".
"To the millions who tuned in every Sunday evening to watch The Antiques Roadshow, Henry was like a favourite uncle, whose enthusiasm for even the humblest piece of chipped china was infectious," John Sandon said.
"His joy when he discovered a rare Staffordshire pottery owl jug, nicknamed 'Ozzie', was a magic TV moment few will forget."
Catherine Catton, BBC senior head of commissioning, factual entertainment and events, said: "We are very saddened to learn of Henry's passing.
"He was a much loved member of the original Antiques Roadshow team and brought joy and expertise to viewers both here in the UK and also the many other countries where the show is broadcast.
"We'd like to extend our deepest condolences to Henry's family and friends at this difficult time."
While Robert Murphy, Antiques Roadshow's series editor, added: "Henry was a titan in the world of ceramics, the font of all knowledge, and his passion for the craft won him a legion of fans on the Antiques Roadshow.
"Henry had a rare warmth and generosity of spirit and was always ready to share his expertise, whether it was on our TV screens as a much-loved ceramics specialist or at the hundreds of Roadshows he attended over the years, often regaling an adoring crowd with tales of his adventures in the business."
Sandon was married to Barbara for 56 years before her death in 2013, and together they had three sons, David, Peter, and John. He is also survived by three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
In a post on X, auctioneer Phillip Serrell, who has appeared on Bargain Hunt, Flog It and Antiques Road Trip, said Sandon "did so much to promote antiques".
Earlier this year, a sale of his private collection of pottery was estimated to have raised about £50,000 at auction.
Some pieces dated as far back as 100BC and also included his treasured Royal Worcester pottery.
He started the collection after finding broken plates in his garden by the city's cathedral.
- This story was first published on the BBC