Henry Sandon, the much-loved ceramics expert from BBC One's Antiques Roadshow, has died at the age of 95. His son John confirmed that he passed away peacefully at a care home in Malvern, Worcestershire, on Christmas morning.
Sandon joined the Antiques Roadshow in 1979, having been appointed curator of the Dyson Perrins Museum at the Royal Worcester factory in 1967. John Sandon, who also became a familiar face on the show, described his father as a 'favourite uncle' to millions of viewers, praising his infectious enthusiasm for even the most humble pieces of china.
Sandon's private collection of pottery, including pieces dating back to 100BC and his treasured Royal Worcester items, was sold at auction earlier this year, raising an estimated £50,000. He began the collection after finding broken plates in his garden by Worcester Cathedral.
Catherine Catton, BBC senior head of commissioning, factual entertainment and events, expressed sadness at his passing, calling him a 'much loved member of the original Antiques Roadshow team'. Series editor Robert Murphy hailed him as a 'titan in the world of ceramics', while presenter Fiona Bruce said he would be 'missed terribly', noting his 'boundless enthusiasm' and 'sense of fun'.
Sandon was married to Barbara for 56 years before her death in 2013. He leaves behind three sons, David, Peter, and John, as well as three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
