Paul Atterbury, a beloved expert on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, specialises in ceramics, architecture, design and decorative arts of the 19th and 20th centuries.
The 78 year old has been putting his knowledge to good use on the popular series since 1979.
His job sees him travelling throughout the UK, visiting towns to help locals find out how much their hidden treasures are worth.
But what some viewers of the show didn’t know is that he’s got a famous mum, too. Audrey Atterbury operated the well-loved Andy Pandy puppet for the 1950s BBC show, Watch With Mother. Rumour even has it that she based Andy’s look on Paul when he was just five years old.
Antiques Roadshow’s Paul Atterbury’s mum was very well known
(Image: BBC)
Paul is now the lucky owner of the only Teddy puppet from Andy Pandy not in a museum – originally a cherished gift for his mum. Talking about her, Paul said: “My mother was a great enthusiast and collector of Moorcroft china, and I learned a lot from her. We used to visit antiques fairs together simply because we had similar interests. Growing up with someone like my mother, a dedicated collector with wide vision, taught me a great deal.”
Paul resides in Dorset with his second wife, Chrissie, whom he married back in 2002. Speaking about his home, the antique guru has stated: “We live in a really friendly village and are very happy to be part of the community. As incomers, people have been so kind to us. Dorset is a wonderful county to have as one’s adoptive home.”
The antics of Andy Pandy, Loobyloo and teddy enthralled legions of children in the 1950s and 1960s
(Image: No credit)
He also spends a few months every year visiting family in Melbourne, Australia. Aside from appearing on Antiques Roadshow, Paul keeps busy by giving lectures all over the UK and penning countless books.
Nevertheless, he admitted: “Appearing on the Antiques Roadshow is an important and enjoyable part of my life. It appeals to me because I like meeting people and hearing their stories. Even though the Roadshow days are long and tiring, they are always exciting. Each item is a new challenge and a voyage into the unknown.”
In 2007, viewers could spot Paul on Channel 4’s archaeology series Time Team as he discussed Augustus Pugin. In 2009, he lent his voice to BBC Four’s documentary The Last Days of the Liners, where we delved into the post-World War II era’s competition between countries to launch the most grand passenger ships on the great ocean routes.
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