Eric Morecambe, a revered figure in British comedy, recently had his iconic glasses sold at auction for a staggering £20,000. This amount tragically eclipsed initial estimates of merely £2,000 to £4,000, showcasing not only the value of the item but also the enduring affection fans hold for the late comedian. The auction took place as part of a sale of his personal memorabilia and items collected over a lifetime in show business. These treasures, which came from Morecambe’s former residence, known as Brachefield, located in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, were auctioned following the recent death of his widow, Joan, who passed away at the age of 97 in March.
In addition to Morecambe’s glasses, which became emblematic of his comedic style—often humorously adjusted on his face—the auction featured a host of memorabilia, including a captivating 1978 portrait of Morecambe created by artist Richard Stone, which fetched £15,000. Furthermore, his ventriloquist dummy named Charlie attracted quite a bit of attention, ultimately selling for £6,200—twice its anticipated top estimate. This two-day auction event drew a significant crowd, bolstered by fans eager to claim a piece of Morecambe’s legacy.
Gail Stuart, Morecambe’s daughter residing in Northamptonshire, offered her reflections on the auction, describing it as “exciting, emotional, surreal, and surprising.” She noted how some items garnered bids well beyond expectations, while others seemed less attractive than anticipated. This event not only signified a bittersweet reminiscence of their father but also symbolized a new chapter for the family. Gail reflected that her mother had remained deeply impacted by her husband’s death in 1984, creating an atmosphere of preservation that prevented them from moving forward until now.
The response from fans has been overwhelming, with many reaching out to share their experiences and the items they acquired at the auction. Stuart conveyed delight in these shared stories, saying: “It was a lovely way to give back, and I think Dad would have highly approved.” The partnership between Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise, which began in their teenage years despite a separation due to World War II, became one of Britain’s most beloved comedic duos known for their television show, “The Morecambe and Wise Show.” Their careers soared during the 1970s, culminating in a Christmas special that attracted a massive viewership of 28 million in 1977.
Numerous notable items were sold at the auction, including the tailcoat and trousers worn during the Morecambe and Wise Show, which sold for £4,500, and a Breitling watch that went for £10,000. A unique Luton Town FC tracksuit personally tailored with “Eric” stitched on the back garnered £5,500, while Morecambe’s OBE (Order of the British Empire) was auctioned for £11,000. Notably, a letter from Ernie Wise to Morecambe discussing their partnership ended with a selling price of £3,200.
This auction reached a remarkable sum of more than £500,000, a testament to the passion and loyalty fans still hold for Morecambe’s legacy. Charles Hanson from Hanson Auctioneers commented on the auction’s success, emphasizing that the sales reflect the exclusivity of the items and the affection for the comedian. For many enthusiasts and collectors present at the auction, it was not just about acquiring items but connecting with cherished memories related to Morecambe and his iconic comedic routines.
Jonathan Powell, a successful bidder for Morecambe’s tailcoat, shared that his interest was sparked by the fond memories of watching Morecambe and Wise’s performances, further demonstrating the deep-seated emotional value of these items. The auction not only served as a celebration of Morecambe’s life and work but also as a significant event that allowed fans worldwide to immerse themselves in the history of one of Britain’s greatest comedic legends.
