Antiques Roadshow expert Henry Sandon dies aged 95

An antiques expert, who appeared on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, has died at the age of 95.

Henry Sandon passed away on Christmas Day at a Worcestershire care home. His son, John, confirmed the news and stated that his late father was like a “favourite uncle” to the nation.

“To the millions who tuned in every Sunday to watch The Antiques Roadshow, Henry was like a favourite uncle, whose enthusiasm for even the humblest piece of chipped china was infectious.

“His joy when he discovered a rare Staffordshire pottery owl jug, nicknamed ‘Ozzie’, was a magic TV moment few will forget.”

Sandon specialised in ceramics and was a notable authority on Royal Worcester porcelain.

Henry Sandon pictured in the 1990s

Antiques Roadshow 1985

During his career, he served as curator of the Dyson Perrins Museum, now the Museum of Royal Worcester.

In a statement the Museum of Royal Worcester said:

“It is with great sadness we share the news that Henry Sandon passed away on Christmas morning. 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 & on TV. Sorely missed.”

Sandon made his first appearance on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow in 1979.

The show features members of the public presenting their treasures to appraisers throughout the country.

Auctioneer Phillip Serrell – also a star of BBC antiques programmes – paid tribute: 

“Sad news – a man who did so much to promote antiques generally and pots from our local factory died on Christmas morning. RIP Henry Sandon.”