A typewriter used by Ray Dalton, the man who created TV sitcom Steptoe and Son, is set for auction among a host of treasures owned by the comedy genius.
His piano and a Christmas gift of vintage Macallan whisky from Canadian poet, songwriter and novelist Leonard Cohen to thank Ray ‘for all the laughs’ are among items due to go under the hammer at Hansons London in October.
The auction firm says it has been a privilege to be reminded of Ray’s contribution to British comedy while uncovering items at his former home near Hampton Court Palace, London. And, bearing in mind the gritty working-class comedy he excelled at, pointed out that the size and elegance of his property demonstrated how much he achieved in life.
Chris Kirkham, associate director of Hansons London, said: “The period splendour of Ray’s former family home is certainly a far cry from the tatty rag-and-bone yard the nation came to know and love in Steptoe and Son. Back in the 1960s, it was a ground-breaking sitcom because it featured poverty-stricken working-class characters. It was a dose of social realism at a time when upper-class accents and slapstick fun were the norm.
“Ray was a former union worker struck down by tuberculosis at 18. Nevertheless, he went on to achieve phenomenal success thanks to his writing skills. Just how far he came is illustrated by the place he called home. As well as being awash with memories of his life and times, it is simply a magnificent place to be, enriched with a sense of history and happiness. It’s been an absolute privilege to go inside.
“To walk into a room and see his BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts, not for sale) awards decorating a Bechstein grand piano, or to pick up a bottle of whisky to read a personal message from Leonard Cohen, was special for me. And the moment I saw Ray’s typewriter I immediately pictured him hammering away at the keys, bringing a comedy moment to life. Whoever is fortunate enough to buy that will own a very special memento of British TV history.
“Apparently Ray and his writing partner Alan Simpson bought their first typewriter with their first pay packet when they were asked to write a BBC script in 1951. We wonder if this is the one.”
“Like millions of others, I’ve laughed and smiled at Steptoe and Son and Hancock’s Half Hour, which Ray also created with Alan. Together, they created comedy that millions of people came to know and love.”
The typewriter, estimate £100-£200, Macallan whisky, £200-£400, and Bechstein piano, £500-£700, are set to go under the hammer at Hansons London on October 29. But the auction experts say the nation’s admiration for Ray’s work may send bids soaring.
Steptoe and Son is regarded as one of the best British sitcoms of all time and key character Albert Steptoe is ranked 39th in a list of 100 Greatest TV Characters. Albert, the mean and grasping father, was played by Wilfrid Brambell while his long-suffering son, Harold, was portrayed by Harry H. Corbett.
Such was the show’s impact, it was remade in the United States as Sanford and Son, in Sweden as Albert & Herbert, in the Netherlands as Stiefbeen en zoon, in Portugal as Camilo & Filho, and in South Africa as Snetherswaite and Son. Two film adaptations of the series were also released.
Ray (1930-2018) was best known for his writing partnership with Alan Simpson. They devised and wrote 1950s and 60s BBC sitcoms including Hancock’s Half Hour (1954–1961), the first two series of Comedy Playhouse (1961–1963), and Steptoe and Son (1962–1974). Ray won two BAFTA awards, among many others accolades, and received an OBE in 2000.
He was born in Paddington, West London. After leaving school he worked for the Transport and General Workers Union. He contracted tuberculosis at the age of 18 in 1948 and was admitted to Milford Sanatorium near Godalming, Surrey, where he met fellow patient Alan Simpson – and a formidable writing partnership was born.
Ray married Tonia Phillips in 1956, and they had three children. Sadly, Tonia died from cancer in 1995. Ray passed away in his sleep at the age of 88 in 2018.
The Ray Galton collection will be sold by Hansons London on October 29. Catalogue (due live Oct 21): www.hansonslive.co.uk and www.the-saleroom.com
To find out more, or to discuss a consignment with Hansons London, email [email protected].
