BBC Antiques Roadshow presenter Henry Sandon dies aged 95 as fans pay tribute
BBC Antiques Roadshow presenter Henry Sandon dies aged 95 as fans pay tribute
PA
Former BBC Antiques Roadshow presenter Henry Sandon has died at the age of 95 on Christmas Day, his family has confirmed.
His son John confirmed that died peacefully at a care home in Malvern, Worcestershire.
John, who joined Antiques Roadshow like his father, described Henry as "a hugely popular television presenter and a giant in the world of antiques".
Sandon joined BBC One's Antiques Roadshow in 1979, which was his big break.
Television presenter Henry Sandon poses with wife Barbara and grandchildren Elizabeth and Robert after receiving his MBE at Buckingham Palace, London
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Prior to this, he had been working as the curator of the Dyson Perrins Museum at the Royal Worcester factory since 1967.
Throughout his illustrious career, Sandon was widely regarded as the world authority on Worcester Porcelain, writing books on the subject.
His son described his father as like a "favourite uncle" to many of those who tuned in each week.
John added his father was "a hugely popular television presenter and a giant in the world of antiques".
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Henry Sandon, Hilary Kay Michael Aspel and Eric Knowles from the Antiques Roadshow during the TRIC Awards held at the Grosvenor Hotel in London
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"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," he continued.
"His joy when he discovered a rare Staffordshire pottery owl jug, nicknamed 'Ozzie', was a magic TV moment few will forget."
In a post on social media, auctioneer Phillip Serrell, who has appeared on Bargain Hunt, Flog It and Antiques Road Trip, said Mr Sandon "did so much to promote antiques".
The Museum of Royal Worcester also paid tribute to the late star in a touching statement: "It is with great sadness we share the news that Henry Sandon passed away on Christmas morning.
Henry Sandon at his home in Worecester in 1997
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"Our curator and then patron of the Museum for many years, a much-loved expert who shared his knowledge and enthusiasm for pots and Worcester in person, in books and on TV. Sorely missed."
Sandon was married to his wife, Barbara, for 56 years until she died in 2013.
The couple had three sons together: David, Peter, and John.
A 1,000-piece collection of his work, titled The Henry Sandon Ceramic Study Collection, was due to be auctioned in April. It was split into 380 lots and is expected to fetch at least £50,000.
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