Collectables

British comedy star Eric Morecambe’s (1926-84) lifetime collection of showbiz memorabilia and personal treasures are set for auction at Hansons on January 10-11.

A round-up of art and antiques news from the previous seven days, including news of Judy Garland’s ruby slippers from the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz setting a record for a piece of entertainment memorabilia

Our regular listing of UK and Irish books and works on paper sales

This printed crepe paper ‘programme’ marks one of the key Suffragette rallies of the Edwardian era.

Classic Art Deco designs from a prime period for collectors capture the spirit and style of the period

The spectacular Victorian and Edwardian firework displays conducted by the venerable Mitcham firm of James Pain & Sons were often accompanied by special silk souvenir programmes.

Among the most eagerly contested lots in a recent sale at Chorley’s (23.5/15/12.5/10% buyer’s premium) was a collection of early 20th century tattoo ephemera.

The semi-precious stones adorning the hilts and scabbards of many of the best Ottoman swords held talismanic significance.

Manual relating to church charity schools is the latest example of its type to impress in a saleroom

It is said Louis Vuitton spent 17 years mastering the art of trunk making before establishing his eponymous company in 1854.

Generating a huge amount of international media coverage both before and after Reeman Dansie’s (25% buyer’s premium) November 5 sale titled Royalty, Antiques & Fine Art was a piece of fruitcake from the wedding of Princess Elizabeth to Lieutenant Prince Philip of Greece on November 20, 1947.

The production of carved and painted pine toys in Erzgebirge, Bavaria, became a thriving cottage industry.

Graham Budd’s (24% buyer’s premium) On the Road to Manchester & The Kits of Legends Auction on October 1-2 included memorabilia from former Red Devils Gordon McQueen (1952-2023), David McCreery (b.1957) and Viv Anderson (b.1956).

Pictured here is definitely one of the more unusual lots to feature in ATG recently.