He had an interest in antiques from the age 12, which led him to joining the profession on leaving school. At age 21, he became a member of the Incorporated Society Of Valuers And Auctioneers. He then worked for a firm in Rugby. Then in 1974, he went to work in London. He joined the auction house, Locke and England, in 1978 as manager and valuer. He later became a partner. In the 1990's, he started his own independent valuation business based in Hillmorton, David J. Barby and Associates, which he worked up until his time of death.
He did a large amount of charity work, raising money for the Royal Leamington Spa Rehabilitation Hospital and Leamington Art Gallery, and was president of the Friends of Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum.
He was widely known for his television work. In 2002, he first appeared as the auctioneer on FLOG IT!, and was also an expert on the show. He also became well known for his work on BARGAIN HUNT and ANTIQUES ROAD TRIP, where he got his nickname.
He had an interest in antiques from the age 12, which led him to joining the profession on leaving school. At age 21, he became a member of the Incorporated Society Of Valuers And Auctioneers. He then worked for a firm in Rugby. Then in 1974, he went to work in London. He joined the auction house, Locke and England, in 1978 as manager and valuer. He later became a partner. In the 1990's, he started his own independent valuation business based in Hillmorton, David J. Barby and Associates, which he worked up until his time of death.
He did a large amount of charity work, raising money for the Royal Leamington Spa Rehabilitation Hospital and Leamington Art Gallery, and was president of the Friends of Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum.
He was widely known for his television work. In 2002, he first appeared as the auctioneer on FLOG IT!, and was also an expert on the show. He also became well known for his work on BARGAIN HUNT and ANTIQUES ROAD TRIP, where he got his nickname.