A FORMER museum curator and Antiques Roadshow star has decided to sell his personal collection.

Henry Sandon, best known as an expert on the Antiques Roadshow, is having to sell his collection as he can no longer look after it properly.

The 94-year-old who joined the hit BBC show in 1979, says it is time to let other collectors enjoy his life's work.

“Now that I am older than most of the ceramics in my collection, I am no longer able to pick up and hold and cherish every one of the hundreds of pieces I have lived with all around me,” he said. 

“I need other people to help care for me now and so it’s time to find new owners to care for all my beloved pots. 

His 1,000-piece collection, titled The Henry Sandon Ceramic Study Collection, is due to be auctioned by Chorley's auctioneers in Prinknash Abbey Park on April 18.

The collection has been split into 380 lots and is expected to fetch at least £50,000.

Stroud News and Journal: Ceramics specialist and antiques expert Henry Sandon Ceramics specialist and antiques expert Henry Sandon (Image: Chorley’s auctioneers)

He added: “I have known Simon Chorley way back since Arthur Negus’s days and so I asked him to organise this sale. 

“Apart from just a few special favourites for my family to treasure, it is time for all of my pots to join new study collections.”

The auction will feature pots from 2000BC to the present day and people will have the opportunity to buy a piece of history, as well as a memento of one of our ‘National Treasures’.

Chorley’s director Simon Chorley said: “Chorley’s is delighted to have been instructed to sell the collection, as we have had a wonderful, long-standing relationship with both Henry and Arthur.

Stroud News and Journal: Royal Worcester plate by famous artist Harry Stinton (1883-1968) - estimated £1,000-£1,400 Royal Worcester plate by famous artist Harry Stinton (1883-1968) - estimated £1,000-£1,400 (Image: Chorley’s auctioneers)

“I first met Henry Sandon at the Three Choirs Festival at Gloucester in 1965. I was a chorister at Gloucester Cathedral, while Henry was a Lay Clerk at Worcester.

“After Arthur’s death in 1985, I was involved with arranging the auction of his treasured collection.

“Henry very much enjoyed that sale and it is now a privilege for me to be involved in arranging Henry’s sale."

For more information about the The Henry Sandon Ceramic Study Collection - see here: https://tinyurl.com/49nbp92m