The long-awaited Eric Morecambe Collection Auction took place over two thrilling days at the Burton Albion Pirelli Stadium on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th January 2025, where memorabilia from the legendary comedian’s illustrious career achieved incredible prices under the expert hammer of renowned auctioneers Charles Hanson, Charlie Ross and Rob Oulton. The auction, with a lively room of bidders and a record-breaking online crowd tuning in, featured an extraordinary range of personal items, artwork and iconic memorabilia, exceeded expectations, delighting collectors, fans, and enthusiasts alike.
Among the standout lots that sparked fierce bidding and achieved remarkable prices were:
Lot 645: Eric’s Glasses – Sold for an astonishing £20,000 (Est. £2,000 – £4,000)
Lot 3: John Sturgess’ “The Steeplechase” (Oil on Canvas) – Sold for £1,200 (Est. £800 – £1,200)
Lot 36: Benjamin Williams Leader’s “Glade at Wittington” (Oil on Canvas) – Sold for £2,500 (Est. £500 – £700)
Lot 104: Arts and Crafts Carved Oak Door Surround from Brachefield – Sold for £2,600 (Est. £1,000 – £2,000)
Lot 249: Eric’s Tailcoat and Trousers from the Morecambe and Wise Show – Sold for £4,500 (Est. £700 – £1,000)
Lot 324: Eric’s Breitling Watch – Sold for £10,000 (Est. £1,000 – £12,000)
Lot 420: A Vintage Luton Town, Admiral Tracksuit with “Eric” Stitched on the Back – Sold for £5,500 (Est. £300 – £500)
Lot 447: The Society of Film and Television Arts Award for “Best Light Entertainment Performance” – Sold for £4,400 (Est. £400 – £600)
Lot 504: Eric Morecambe’s OBE – Sold for a remarkable £11,000 (Est. £2,000 – £3,000)
One of the most eye-catching moments of the auction came with the sale of Eric Morecambe’s iconic glasses, which fetched an astounding £20,000—far surpassing their estimate of £2,000 to £4,000.
🎥 Watch Eric’s glasses sell for £20,000
These glasses, synonymous with Morecambe’s sharp wit and unforgettable comedic persona, attracted intense bidding from collectors eager to own a piece of television history. Their sale highlighted the enduring popularity of Eric’s legacy, as well as the emotional and nostalgic value that such personal items hold for his legions of fans.
A standout moment in the auction was the sale of Lot 476, Portrait of Eric Morecambe OBE by renowned British artist Richard Stone. This striking oil on canvas, depicts Eric seated and smoking a cigar—capturing his relaxed yet unmistakable charm. Painted in 1978 for the Anglia Television documentary Morecambe & Stone, the portrait is a stunning tribute to the iconic comedian. Signed by the artist and framed, the piece sold for £15,000, reflecting the lasting appeal of Eric’s image and the high esteem in which he is held by both fans and collectors. The portrait had previously been exhibited at Notable Portraits at Partridge Fine Art in London in 2004, and a catalogue from the exhibition was included with the lot, adding further provenance to this exceptional artwork.
Another exciting moment came when Lot 501, the famous ventriloquist dummy Charlie, the beloved companion to Eric Morecambe’s legendary comedy performances, sold for £6,200 (Estimate £2,000 – £3,000).
The enduring legacy of Eric Morecambe’s genius and sense of humour was also captured in the sale of Lot 566, an autograph letter from Ernie Wise to Eric, which took an unexpected turn by revealing Ernie’s wish to end their partnership, sold for £3,200 (Estimate £500 – £600). The letter offered a fascinating glimpse into the complexities and dynamics of their iconic duo.
Eric Morecambe’s personal items, including Lot 457, his writing desk, sold for £2,800 (Estimate £1,000 – £1,500), and Lot 609, his beloved pipes, sold for £1,100 (Estimate £200 – £400), were also highly sought after. Further stirring nostalgia was Lot 561, a personal letter from HM King Charles III to Eric, which fetched £2,500 (Estimate £500 – £1,000), highlighting the lasting impact Eric Morecambe had across various circles.
Several works of art also fetched impressive sums, with Lot 434, Eric Morecambe OBE’s Winter Study with Robin (Oil on Canvas), and Lot 436, Eric’s Sun and Poplar Trees (Oil on Card), both selling for £4,100 and £4,200, respectively—far exceeding their estimated values of £30 – £50.
In total, the auction raised well over half a million pounds, with bidders from across the world competing for pieces of Morecambe’s legacy. The sale was a testament not only to Eric Morecambe’s enduring popularity but also to the cultural and historical value his possessions hold for collectors today.
A Remarkable Celebration of Eric Morecambe’s Legacy
The two-day event saw passionate fans and collectors from all corners of the globe come together to celebrate the remarkable career and life of one of the UK’s most beloved comedians. Auctioneers Charles Hanson and Charlie Ross kept the atmosphere lively and engaging, guiding the packed room through an eclectic array of items that painted a vivid picture of Eric’s life on and off the stage.
“We were thrilled with the extraordinary results achieved at this auction,” said Charles Hanson, of Hanson Auctioneers. “Eric Morecambe’s legacy lives on in the hearts of millions, and the prices reflect not only the quality and uniqueness of the items but also the deep affection fans continue to hold for him. It’s been an incredible two days!”
For more information or to view results from the auction, please visit www.HansonsAuctioneers.co.uk
