David Barby
David Barby | |
|---|---|
| Born | David John Barby Template:Birth date Rugby, Warwickshire, England |
| Died | July 25, 2012 (aged 69) Coventry, England |
| Occupation(s) | Antiques expert, auctioneer, television personality |
| Years active | 1964–2012 |
| Known for | Bargain Hunt, Flog It!, Antiques Road Trip |
David John Barby, FRICS (23 April 1943 – 25 July 2012), was a distinguished English specialist in antiques, widely recognized for his roles on BBC antiques television series including Bargain Hunt, Flog It! and others.
Career
Originating from Rugby, Warwickshire, Barby developed a passion for antiques at the age of twelve, which ultimately guided his professional path after completing his education. By the age of 21, he had earned membership in the Incorporated Society of Valuers and Auctioneers, an organization that later integrated with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in 2000.
Barby's early career began with a local Rugby-based company before relocating to London in 1974. In 1978, he was recruited by Locke and England, an auction house located in Royal Leamington Spa, where he assumed the roles of manager and valuer. His tenure there culminated in partnership status prior to his retirement in 2003. Barby was acknowledged as an authority on a wide array of antiques, including Victorian porcelain and antique oak pedestal desks.
During the 1990s, Barby established his own valuation firm, David J. Barby and Associates, headquartered in Hillmorton. He remained active with this enterprise until his passing. His approachable auctioneering technique earned him recognition, notably overseeing the sale of a collection valued at £1 million in October 2000.
Barby engaged actively with local community initiatives such as the Royal Leamington Society's Jubilee Year celebrations in 2006 and participated in similar events throughout Warwickshire. He contributed significantly to charitable efforts benefiting Leamington Spa Hospital and Art Gallery, holding the position of president for the Friends of Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum.
His expertise was shared through entertaining lectures on antiques delivered to organizations like NADFAS, Women's Institutes, historical groups, and cruise ship audiences. Barby's blend of knowledge and warmth established him as a respected figure both on-screen and within the antiques industry.
Fellow expert Charles Hanson praised Barby as "a man of the people," emphasizing his commitment to educating the public and his enthusiasm for antiques.
Television
Barby's television debut as an auctioneer occurred in the inaugural episode of Flog It! in 2002, where he quickly became a valued expert contributor. Prior to this, he had gained recognition for a similar capacity on Bargain Hunt and was affectionately dubbed "The Master" on Antiques Road Trip. He also appeared on the milestone 500th episode of Bargain Hunt, competing on the red team alongside Philip Serrell.
In addition, Barby featured in the premiere episode of the series Housecall aired in February 2002.
In 2012, while filming an episode of Antiques Road Trip in Hereford, Barby sustained a fall. Minor facial injuries from other incidents were noticeable during broadcasts in both 2011 and 2012.
As a leading figure representing antiques on television, Barby was honored posthumously with tribute segments on Bargain Hunt (aired 1 October 2012) and Antiques Road Trip (aired 5 October 2012).
Politics
In 2002, Barby ran as a Conservative candidate for Rugby Borough Council's Caldecott ward but placed fourth within a three-seat constituency. He also took part in fundraising activities such as the 'Antiques Evening with David Barby' event organized by the Solihull Conservative Association.
Death and tributes
On 13 July 2012, Barby experienced a stroke at his residence in Rugby and passed away two weeks later, on 25 July 2012, at a hospital in Coventry, aged 69. A memorial service held on 2 September 2012 at St Andrew's Church in Rugby was attended by over 500 individuals, during which Philip Serrell offered a tribute. Further acknowledgments came from the BBC, the television show Flog It, and presenter Tim Wonnacott, who commended Barby's dedication, impeccable standards, and wit. Barby was laid to rest at Watts Lane Cemetery in Hillmorton, Rugby, Warwickshire.
External links
- Obituary in The Independent by Marcus Williamson