ANTIQUES Roadshow legend Henry Sandon has died aged 95 on Christmas Day - with tributes pouring in for the "much-loved expert".
Sandon's son John confirmed that he died peacefully at a care home in Malvern, Worcestershire yesterday morning.
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."
Sandon joined Antiques Roadshow in 1979 after making his name as a curator at the Museum of Royal Worcester.
Read More UK News
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."
Sandon memorably found Ozzie the Owl during an Antiques Roadshow episode in the 1990s.
The slipware owl that was brought along to the roadshow in Northampton, where Sandon gave it a valuation of £20,000.
Most read in The Sun
Sandon had three sons with his wife Barbara, to whom he was married for 56 years before her death in 2013.
He is survived by his sons David, Peter and John, his three grandchildren and his two great-grandchildren.
Sandon became a MBE for services to broadcasting, the ceramics industry and charity in 2008.
Antiques Road Trip auctioneer Phillip Serrell said Sandon "did so much to promote antiques".
Sandon's private collection of pottery raised £50,000 at auction this April.
Some pieces in the expert's treasured collection dated back as far as 100BC.
Auctioneer Simon Chorley said: "Speaking with Henry shortly after the sale we were delighted that he was so pleased with the results.
"He stated that he was thrilled with the prices and so relieved that others wanted his pots!
READ MORE SUN STORIES
"The saleroom was full of bidders wanting to secure a piece from Henry’s collection. A very good result for all."
Sandon began collecting property after finding broken plates in his garden, which bordered Worcester Cathedral.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTErKynZpOke7a3jqecsKtfZ4JygpNybW5nmJq7s8WMrJinnJ%2BjeqWxwJ1kmqaknr62sdJmqaiZlKi1sMOO