Graham Charles Lay (Willesden, Greater London, UK, 19 January 1960[1] – 27 November 2016[2]) was a British antiques expert specialising in arms, armour and militaria, and military history, probably best known for his many appearances on BBC TVs Antiques Roadshow[3] television programme, where he had been one of the team of experts since 1988. He was regularly seen wearing a 'Blue Peter' badge.
Graham Charles Lay | |
|---|---|
| Born | Graham Charles Lay 19 January 1960 Willesden, Greater London, UK |
| Died | 27 November 2016 (aged 56) |
| Occupation | Military antiques expert |
| Years active | 1988–2016 |
| Television | Antiques Roadshow |
He appeared as an expert on other BBC TV antiques programmes such as 20th Century Roadshow, Priceless Antiques Roadshow and Bargain Hunt. In Series 1, episode 6 of 20th Century Roadshow, recorded at Imperial War Museum Duxford, he valued a World War II Spitfire MkIX aircraft at between £1,000,000 and £1,500,000: the highest price for anything ever valued on the show.[citation needed]
Books
editHe contributed to several books such as Antiques Roadshow Collectables,[4] and wrote auction reviews and articles for newspapers and periodicals, including writing for Black Powder, the magazine of the Muzzle Loaders Association of Great Britain.[5]
Personal life
editDeath
editHe died at the end of 2016 having suffered from cystic fibrosis since birth and he was remembered in the Antiques Roadshow highlights special on 28 December 2016, shown on BBC1.
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Being made-up before a recording -
At a typical Antiques Roadshow recording -
Discussing the value of the famous MH434 Spitfire MkIX B with the owner and Alan Titchmarsh
References
edit- ^ "His obituary by former colleague Roy Butler". Archived from the original on 30 December 2016. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
- ^ Tributes pour in for Antiques Roadshow militaria expert Graham Lay
- ^ Graham Lay profile; BBC Antiques Roadshow
- ^ Antiques Roadshow Collectables (contributor), Dorling Kindersley 2008 ISBN 978-1-4053-3288-0
- ^ Their website