Antiques Roadshow fans emotional as BBC commemorates expert after death
Antiques Roadshow viewers were in tears as the BBC programme paid tribute to the late expert, Henry Sandon.
The beloved expert was at a care home in Malvern, Worcestershire, when he died on Christmas Day at the age of 95. His son John confirmed the devastating news and stated that his late father was like a "favourite uncle" to the nation. The resident porcelain expert was a regular on Antiques Roadshow.
On Sunday, Fiona Bruce paid tribute to him during a special montage of his best moments on the programme. In a voiceover, she talked about his fruitful life and incredible legacy. She said over clips of Henry: "We recently received the sad news that Henry Sandon, a member of our expert team since the earliest days of the Roadshow, had died aged 95."
One clip showed Fiona and Harry standing next to each other as they discussed the story behind one item. She added: "Born in London in 1928, Henry was evacuated during the Second World War and eventually settled in Worcester where his discovery of Roman and Medieval pottery in the garden would lead to a lifelong passion for ceramics.
Henry died on Christmas Day at the age of 95 (BBC)"Henry joined the Antiques Roadshow in 1979. His knowledge of porcelain, and in particular Royal Worcester was unparalleled." Viewers got emotional watching the touching montage and took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to discuss their love for the late expert.
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"RIP Henry Sandon he loved a pot #antique #antiquesroadshow," one user said while another added: "Dear old Henry Sandon," along with a few crying emojis. One upset user posted: "Henry Sandon was one of the most delightful experts, truly missed #AntiquesRoadshow."
Antiques Roadshow paid tribute to the late expert (BBC)In a statement shared with the BBC, Henry's son John said his dad was a "hugely popular television presenter and a giant in the world of antiques," before adding that he was synonymous with Worcester, due to his enthusiasm for Royal Worcester pots and his infectious personality."
John added: "To the millions who tuned in every Sunday evening 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."
Henry first appeared on the BBC programme in 1979 and instantly won over the hearts of the nation with his expertise every week. Throughout his career, he was known as the curator of the Dyson Perrins Museum which is now known as the Worcester Porcelain Museum.
Sharing the news of his death, 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."
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