The Eric Morecambe Auction

Feature from 2025

When the announcement was made mid November 2024, that Eric`s possessions were to be auctioned off, there was a feeling of great excitement and a little sadness that the end of an era was coming.

After Joan, Eric`s wife, passed away, the family home in Harpenden was empty, full of memories of a lifetime in comedy. What could you do with these? All of these personal items that could be linked to great events and moments in history.

At this early stage the public were not aware of the items to be auctioned. It could be just a few things that normal people would call brik-a-brak. Vases, chairs, books or old records. I don`t think anyone outside the family knew the vast extent of the items that would eventually go up for bidding.

When the catalogue became available, the sheer volume of items was a surprise to everyone. Over 800 lots, often with multiple items per lot, ranging from ornaments, cutlery, hats and ties to television awards and even the famous Charlie the ventriloquist doll.

The auction took place on January 10th and 11th 2025 at Burton Albion Pirelli Stadium.

Browsing the lots, there were many personal items. Clothing of both Eric`s and Joan`s, serving dishes, fishing reels, chairs, old LPs and even the contents of Eric`s bar. There were items of importance, linked to Eric`s showbusiness life such as his Piano, Charlie, invites to royal events, press cuttings and photographs. There were items that would be heralded as iconic such has his spectacles, stage costumes and props. And items of historic importance such as unheard interviews, old radio broadcasts stored on degrading acetate and Eric and Ern`s early radio appearances.

The auction would attract a wide range of people from dedicated fans, lovers of Morecambe and Wise, people who had a personal connection and sadly, people who saw a chance to make money by re-selling items and making money from dead people – the saddest of individuals.

All lots were set out and viewing extended due to interest, and each lot had an expected price. I think this drew in more people, as they thought they might be able to get a small memento of a man who they had grown up with in their living rooms, a man who brought joy and a man who made Christmas so much better.

Most of the lots were sold for much higher prices than expected, and even smaller items with an estimate price of less than £80 eventually sold for over £500. This put most of the items outside the reach of normal working people unless you were happy with some socks, but even they sold for £100.

For collectors and historians, eyes were on the few lots that had old acetate recordings of early Morecambe and Wise work. One lot featured recordings from 1943 when they were on a show called "Youth Must Have It`s Swing". Another featured several recordings from Variety Funfair in 1952. Most unheard before, and definitely of interest to archives and historians. This lot sold for £170.

Other lots had previously unheard interviews with Eric stored on small cassette tapes that he had kept. Another treasure trove of moments that the public may never hear sadly. This lot, with an estimate value of £100 to £150 sold for £2200.

For dedicated collectors and possibly museums, all eyes were on a few iconic items, firstly Charlie the ventriloquist doll. Eric had three made, and this one was the one he took to America and used in live shows. Estimate price £2-3000, it finally sold for £6200.

Bongos, used for every live show sold for less than expected, fetching £500.

And of course, Eric`s famous glasses. These were hotly fought for with the eventual winner paying £20,000. It was later revealed that the winner was Robbie Williams, himself a Morecambe and Wise fan.

Another celebrity winner was Yvette Fielding who won Eric`s writing desk and typewriter.

Lancaster Museum also won a few special items including school reports and early props.

The auction drew a lot of press attention too, with guesses as to the price things would sell for. The family possessions were now split, and only time will tell if any reputable organisation or individuals come forward and announce what they intent doing with them. Let’s hope some museums managed to get tings that they put on display so other fans, not able to find the money themselves, can enjoy.

© Morecambeandwise.com 2025