A George Formby superfan known as Banjo Dez is parting with a unique kimono worn by the British entertainer on the big screen more than 80 years ago – and it could sell for thousands of pounds at auction.
The striking black and gold kimono, featuring flamboyant floral decoration, was used by the famous actor, singer and ukulele player in comedy film South American George in 1941.
It’s been treasured for the last 20 years by 80-year-old Leicester man Derrick Pearce who inherited it from his father, a fellow Formby superfan aptly named George. He bought it at the Beryldene Auction in St Anne’s, near Blackpool, in 1961 – a sale which saw countless Formby items sold off to fans following the star’s death at the age of 56 that year.
The Kimono will be offered in a music and film memorabilia sale at Hansons Auctioneers in March with a guide price of £6,000-£8,000 – but it may achieve more. In 2002 an expert on TV’s Antiques Roadshow valued it at £10,000. Derrick has also consigned to auction a one-piece swimming costume, possibly worn by Formby in film Trouble Brewing in 1939, estimate £500-£800.
For Derrick, a film extra and entertainer who performs Forby songs in care homes in and around Leicestershire, it’s hard to part with the kimono. But he feels that, due to his age, the time is right to let it go to someone who will treasure it for years to come.
He said: “I think it’s a bit special. There are several George Formby ukuleles in existence but only one kimono. I inherited it from my dad after he passed away at the age of 79 in 1993. He bought it at the Beryldene sale along with some other Formby items including a pair of George’s silk underpants which I still have.
“I don’t know how much dad paid for the kimono. I have looked after it well and kept it covered up and protected. I’ve taken it along to George Formby Society meetings. On one occasion George Formby’s younger brother, Ted, put it on. At last November’s meeting the society screened South American George and the kimono was there for people to look at.”
The Beryldene sale is well-known among Formby fans. Beryldene was the last home of George Formby and wife Beryl. Beryl died shortly before George who passed away in March, 1961.The auction occurred because George’s family opposed his final will. Shortly before his death, he became engaged to teacher Pat Howson and left the Formby fortune almost intact to her. The auction lasted three days and nothing was spared from the auctioneer’s gavel – including the aforementioned underpants.
It was a strange way to mark the death of a celebrity adored by the nation but it did give fans like Mr Pearce snr, former owner of George’s Second-hand Shop in Leicester, an opportunity to buy something related to the comedy genius. The Formby fan copied his style, sang his songs, mastered the ukulele – and passed that passion on to his son.
Derrick, a retired widower and father of two, said: “During the Second World War both George Formby and my dad were part of ENSA (Entertainments National Service Association) which performed for the troops. Dad did a Formby routine.
“I followed in his footsteps. I remember him teaching me three notes on the ukulele in 1949 but I bever played the instrument until after dad died. Now I’m known in Leicester as Banjo Dez. I still perform Formby songs and love it. I also appear as an extra in films, and dad did too. I was an extra in the Downton film and dad was in A Matter of Life and Death starring David Niven.”
Born in Wigan, Lancashire, George Formby (1904-1961) was an actor, singer-songwriter and comedian who won worldwide fame through films made in the 1930s and 1940s. He became the UK’s highest-paid entertainer. He was renowned for his light, comical songs, accompanied by him playing the ukulele or banjolele, and was said to embody Lancashire, the working classes, the people and the nation.
Hansons has sold several Formby-related items including a banjolele owned by Formby and once sought after by Beatle George Harrison. It sold for £28,500.
The George Formby kimono and swimwear will be sold on March 28 in a Music and Film Memorabilia Auction at Hansons Auctioneers, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire. Further entries are invited until March 7. Free music and film memorabilia valuations are available by appointment at Hansons on February 9, 10am-4pm. To find out more, or to arrange a valuation, email [email protected] or call 01283 733988.
