Alastair had a world-renowned knowledge of antique silver and jewellery he had lectured all around the world and was honoured to be asked to lecture at the internationally known Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC.
His knowledge of dates amazed many as he never had to check a hallmark and knew the maker, year and the stamp instantly.
He was asked on numerous occasions to be an expert on the BBC Antiques Roadshow but never accepted as he felt it would be better to spend the time with his beloved family.
Before entering into the trade, Alastair was a champion cyclist in his teens and was even asked to represent his country in the Olympics. However, he had to decline as he was called for National Service.
One of his cycling records he held for 26 years which he did on a fixed-wheeled bike and was beaten only by a full-geared modern bike which tells you just how good he was.
Alastair’s father Chris Padley asked him to join the family business in the 1950s. They would travel the country buying antiques and returning them back to the shop in Royal Tunbridge Wells.
When his father left the trade both Alastair and his brother Roy ran the famous shop. Roy retired in the ‘90s and Alastair took the shop over. He retired in 2005 at the age of 70 but was still seen regularly at exhibitions as his love and passion for silver could never die.
One thing Alastair’s children remember him for was at any one point during the day he would always drop in the conversation the current gold and silver price followed by saying: “It’s a good time to buy or sell.”
He will be sadly missed by customers and experts far and wide. Alastair was a true English gentleman.
Alastair died peacefully at home after suffering from Pulmonary Fibrosis. He leaves his loving wife of 60 years Shirley, his sons Tim and Simon, and Simon’s wife Tiffany and his beloved granddaughter Havana.
Simon Padley
Alastair’s funeral service will be held at the church where he married his beloved wife Shirley: St Paul Church, Rusthall Road, Rusthall, nr Tunbridge Wells, TN4 8RE, at 2.30pm on Thursday, February 6. All are welcome. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to MIND, c/o Tester & Jones Funeral Services, London Road, Crowborough, TN6 2TT or via their website www.testerandjones.co.uk
