Henry Sandon, former curator of the Dyson Perrins Museum and Antiques Roadshow expert, passed away peacefully at a care home in Malvern, Worcestershire, on Christmas morning at the age of 95. His son, John Sandon, confirmed the news. As well as being synonymous with Worcester pottery, Henry Sandon was a popular television presenter and a giant in the world of antiques. John Sandon, who also became a public figure on the show, said his father was like a “favourite uncle” to those who tuned in each week.
Appointed curator of the Dyson Perrins Museum at the Royal Worcester factory in 1967, Henry Sandon joined BBC One’s Antiques Roadshow in 1979. He became renowned for his enchanting way of sitting down with various guests for each episode, while viewers watched in suspense to see if the antiques they brought in would have a high value. His passion for the craft won him a legion of fans on the show. Robert Murphy, Antiques Roadshow’s series editor, added: “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.”
Henry Sandon’s enthusiasm for Royal Worcester pots and his infectious personality made him a hugely popular television presenter. Catherine Catton, the BBC’s 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.”
Henry Sandon waited 40 years to find a rare George Owen Royal Worcester “Tea Caddy” tin, one of the only three sets in existence. He was married to Barbara for 56 years before her death in 2013, and together they had three sons. Henry is survived by three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren
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