Theodora Helen Burrell (1 September 1986 – 8 July 2026) was a British antiques specialist, auctioneer and television expert, known for her appearances as a ceramics and decorative arts specialist on the BBC reality show television programme Antiques Roadshow. She worked as a specialist and auctioneer at the auction house Lyon & Turnbull. From 2023 she was a patron of the charity Brain Tumour Research, following her diagnosis with glioblastoma in 2022.
Theo Burrell | |
|---|---|
| Born | Theodora Helen Burrell 1 September 1986 Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Died | 8 July 2026 (aged 39) |
| Alma mater | University of Glasgow |
| Occupations |
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| Employer(s) | Lyon & Turnbull |
| Known for | Antiques Roadshow |
Early life and education
editTheodora Helen Burrell was born in Edinburgh, Scotland on 1 September 1986.[1] She studied at the University of Glasgow, where she completed a Master of Arts degree in History followed by a Master of Letters (MLitt) in Decorative Arts.[2]
She developed an interest in antiques at a young age, working as viewing staff at Lyon & Turnbull during her teenage years and later returning to the firm as an intern while completing her postgraduate studies.[2]
Career
editBurrell joined Lyon & Turnbull in July 2011 as a specialist in antiques and decorative arts.[2] Early in her career she ran seasonal antiques auctions and contributed to the development of the company's "Interiors" sale format.[2] In 2012 she qualified as an auctioneer and began conducting sales across a range of categories.[2] Her areas of expertise include European ceramics, glass, and decorative arts, with a particular focus on objects from the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries.[2]
She joined the team of experts on the BBC programme Antiques Roadshow in 2018, in which specialists examine and appraise objects brought in by members of the public at filming events across the United Kingdom.[3][4]
Personal life
editBurrell lived in East Lothian, Scotland with her partner, Alex, and their son.[5]
Health and death
editIn June 2022, at the age of 35, Burrell was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain tumour, after experiencing several months of severe migraines and neurological symptoms.[4][6] She subsequently underwent brain surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.[4]
Burrell died from the illness on 8 July 2026, at the age of 39.[7][8][9][1]
Advocacy
editBurrell publicly documented her experience of living with a terminal diagnosis, speaking openly about its emotional and physical impact.[10][11]
In November 2023, she became a patron of Brain Tumour Research participated in campaigns calling for increased funding for brain tumour research.[12]
References
edit- 1 2 "Theo Burrell, popular Antiques Roadshow expert and dedicated campaigner for brain tumour research". The Telegraph. 12 July 2026. Retrieved 12 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Theo Burrell". Lyon & Turnbull. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ "Celebrities line up to support Antiques Roadshow expert Theo Burrell". The Brain Tumour Charity. 15 June 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Antiques Roadshow expert Theo Burrell diagnosed with brain tumour". BBC News. 30 June 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ "Theo Burrell: 'Heartbreak' as scans show brain tumour regrowth". The Independent. 1 October 2024. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ "Theo Burrell shares update after brain tumour diagnosis". The Independent. 30 June 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ Jones, Gemma (11 July 2026). "Theo Burrell dead: Antiques Roadshow star dies suddenly after cancer diagnosis". The Express. Retrieved 12 July 2026.
- ↑ "Antiques Roadshow star Theo Burrell dies aged 39". The Herald. 12 July 2026. Retrieved 12 July 2026.
- ↑ "Antiques Roadshow expert Theo Burrell dies aged 39". BBC News. 2026-07-12. Retrieved 2026-07-12.
- ↑ "Theo Burrell: 'Heartbreak' as scans show brain tumour regrowth". The Independent. 1 October 2024. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ "Antiques Roadshow's Theo Burrell: 'Soon, I fear, the lifelines will run out'". The Times. 3 November 2024. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ "Theo Burrell". Brain Tumour Research. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
External links
edit- Theo Burrell at IMDb