Theo Burrell: Antiques Roadshow Expert and Auctioneer Dies at 39

Theo Burrell was a Scottish antiques specialist, auctioneer and television expert best known as a member of the expert team on the BBC's Antiques Roadshow. Born Theodora Helen Burrell on September 1, 1986, in Edinburgh, she brought warmth and enthusiasm to the world of decorative arts.

Burrell began as viewing staff at the auction house Lyon & Turnbull as a teenager and joined the firm as a specialist in antiques and decorative arts in 2011. She qualified as an auctioneer in 2012, joined Antiques Roadshow in 2018, and became a patron of Brain Tumour Research in 2023. She earned a Master of Arts in history and a Master of Letters in decorative arts from the University of Glasgow.

Burrell lived in East Lothian with her partner, Alex, and their son. She was diagnosed with glioblastoma and spoke openly about living with a terminal illness. She died on July 8, 2026, at age 39, remembered for her knowledge, her humor and her courage in raising awareness for brain tumour research.

Achievements: Joined Lyon & Turnbull as an antiques specialist (2011), qualified as an auctioneer (2012), joined Antiques Roadshow as an expert (2018), became a patron of Brain Tumour Research (2023).

Birth: September 1, 1986 - Edinburgh, Scotland.

Profession: Antiques specialist, auctioneer and television expert.

Interesting Facts: Burrell's interest in antiques began as a teenager working viewing days at the auction house where she would later build her career.