Who was Henry Sandon from Antiques Roadshow?
Henry Sandon became a household name through his appearances on The Antiques Roadshow for almost four decades.
The pottery expert sadly passed away on Christmas morning 2023 — here we take a look at his life and career.
Who was Henry Sandon from Antiques Roadshow?
Henry Sandon, born on August 10, 1928, was a former Antiques Roadshow presenter and antiques expert.
He attended the Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe.
As a child he was evacuated to Buckinghamshire during the Second World War.
From an early age, Henry was a keen archaeologist with an eye for pottery and porcelain.
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From 1966 to 1982, he worked as the curator of the Dyson Perrins Museum at the Royal Worcester Factory.
During his tenure at the Dyson Perrins Museum, Sandon joined Antiques Roadshow in 1979 and soon become a well-respected voice in the antiques industry.
A Hall at the Worcester Royal Porcelain Museum was named after him in honour of his contribution to the organisation.
In 2000, he was voted Antiques Personality of the Year and he was awarded an MBE in 2008 for his services to the ceramics industry.
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Henry had three sons, including John Sandon, who followed in his father's footsteps as an expert on The Antiques Roadshow.
What happened to Henry Sandon?
Sandon's son John confirmed that his father died peacefully at a care home in Malvern, Worcestershire on Christmas morning 2023 at the age of 95.
John said: "To the millions who tuned in every Sunday evening to watch The Antiques Roadshow, Henry was like a favourite uncle.
"His 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."
How long was he on Antiques Roadshow?
Henry joined Antiques Roadshow in 1979 after making his name as a curator at the Museum of Royal Worcester.
The museum 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."
His final appearance was on September 30, 2018 — meaning he was on the show for an astonishing 39 years.
What did he do before Antiques Roadshow?
In 1966 to 1982 Henry took up the role of curator at the Dyson Perrins Museum at the Royal Worcester Factory.
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He stayed on at the museum even after he started on Antiques Roadshow for a further three years — up until 1982.
There isn't much information available about what he did before 1966 available, although numerous outlets say he started his career as an archaeologist.