A glamorous sequinned evening gown worn by an American movie star has turned up at a free valuation day in Coal Aston.
The halter neck dress with fishtail hem was worn by Sylvia Miles in 1982 film Evil Under The Sun.
New Yorker Miles, 93, is a film, stage and television actress who has twice been nominated for an Academy Award.
Evil Under the Sun was a British film based on the 1941 Agatha Christie novel of the same name and starred Peter Ustinov as Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. Miles played the part of Myra Gardener, a New York theatrical producer.
Hansons valuer Sonia Jackson, who made the discovery during a free valuation event at Coal Aston Village Hall, said: “It never ceases to amaze me what people have tucked away at home.
“It’s a fabulous frock and it comes with provenance having been in a Christie’s auction in 2000. For any movie fan who likes the work of Sylvia Miles, it would be a wonderful thing to own.
“We love to see items like this. Whether it’s an antique, quirky or unusual, we can offer friendly advise and valuations.”
One of Miles’ best-known roles was in Midnight Cowboy as a Park Avenue kept-woman who invites Joe Buck (Jon Voight) up to her penthouse apartment. The role earned her an Oscar nomination in 1969 for Best Supporting Actress. She received a second Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 1975 for her role in Farewell, My Lovely.
Hansons holds free valuation events twice a month at Coal Aston Village Hall, Eckington Road, Coal Aston, Derbyshire, S18 3AX. Their experts will be there on April 24, May 8 and May 22, from 10am-1pm. For a full list of dates, visit www.hansonsauctioneers.co.uk or call 01283 733988.
