Clive Emson, the beloved auctioneer known for his regular appearances on the BBC property show Homes Under the Hammer, has died at the age of 79. He passed away peacefully on Wednesday with his family by his side, according to Kent Online.
Emson, whose iconic mantra was “have gavel, will travel”, owned Clive Emson Land and Property Auctioneers, an empire spanning from Kent to Cornwall. He was awarded an MBE for services to vulnerable and disadvantaged young people in Kent through his charity work.
He became a household name in daytime television thanks to his numerous appearances on Homes Under the Hammer over more than 20 years. Emson previously said the show had helped make auction houses more respected, noting that “there was a perception that they were frequented by dealers and crooked people”.
Emson is survived by his two children, James, 52, and Rebecca, 55, who both work at his company. His wife Sue, to whom he was married for 50 years, died six years ago. He had a passion for vintage cars and owned a fleet of classic British vehicles, including a vintage Bentley.
