Death of ‘priceless’ Warwickshire auctioneer David Barby

David Barby, who worked for many years at auctioneers Locke and England, had appeared on programmes including Bargain Hunt, Flog It and Antiques Road Trip.

Mr Barby, whose death was announced yesterday, died in hospital on Wednesday after suffering a brain haemorrhage at his home in Rugby on July 13. He was 69.

After developing an interest in antiques at an early age, he worked for a Warwickshire firm after becoming qualified aged 21, and worked in London before returning to his home county to work for Locke and England in 1978. He eventually became a partner at the firm, and also founding a valuation company, David J Barby and Associates.

Among much charity work he had raised money for the League of Friends @ Leamington Rehab Hospital and Leamington art gallery.

League of Friends’ secretary Mary Garner had worked for Mr Barby at Locke and England since 1995 and remained a friend.

She paid tribute to his professionalism, and also his mischevous sense of humour, remembering the “whirlwind” she met the first time he came into the office.

She said: “He was an amazing person. He was one of the best bosses you could ever have worked for.

“I have never met anybody who would go that extra mile like David did for his clients.

“His knowledge was unbelieveable. There was nothing of a bargain about David. He was just priceless.

“Wherever he is he’ll be bringing a bit of laughter.”

Call the newsroom on 457720 or email [email protected] if you would like to pay tribute to Mr Barby.