Following the death of his widow, Joan, in March at the age of 97, the Morecambe family has decided to auction more than 700 lots of Eric Morecambe’s belongings through Hansons Auctioneers in Derbyshire. Items available at the auction include Morecambe’s iconic glasses, the piano he used to practice, a painting of him by royal portrait artist Richard Stone, annotated joke books, and stacks of handwritten sketches and ideas.
A Personal and Sentimental Farewell
For Eric Morecambe’s children—Gail, Gary, and Steven—this auction represents a bittersweet moment, marking the end of an era. Gary Morecambe, 58, an author, expressed how the family is “genuinely excited” to see these cherished possessions go to new homes, though it’s also a poignant reminder of the incredible legacy left by their father. He explained that, for him and his sister Gail, it feels like a definitive closing chapter on a period of their lives that began in the 1950s.
Much of the memorabilia has been kept in the family home for over five decades, untouched after their father’s death in 1984. Gary described how his mother, Joan, rarely interacted with the items, making it feel as though everything had remained under the same roof for 56 years. This unique preservation of their father’s life has allowed the Morecambe children to experience the “home-loving man” behind the comedic legend, who also had a deep passion for nature and a strong commitment to family life.
The Auction: A Piece of Comedy History
The auction promises to offer fans a rare glimpse into Eric Morecambe’s personal life and career. Along with more common items like letters and telegrams from famous figures—such as the late Prince Philip, Margaret Thatcher, and fellow comics Ronnie Barker and Tommy Cooper—the sale will feature many more intimate mementos, including Morecambe’s famous glasses, which he was rarely seen without. The piano, which he used to practice on, is also expected to be a highlight.
Additionally, handwritten joke books and piles of sketches give a personal look at the comedian’s creative process. The items in the collection not only reflect the comedian’s iconic status but also his commitment to his craft and the people he worked with throughout his career.
Memories in Glorious Technicolor
Reflecting on her childhood, Gail Stuart, 71, spoke about how she and her siblings didn’t fully realize the privilege of growing up with such remarkable parents. “All my memories are in glorious Technicolor,” she said. Both of her parents, she recalled, were “kind, humble, honest,” and made their lives about family while also sharing their immense talents with the world.
The Morecambe family’s journey has been deeply intertwined with the British public’s affection for Eric Morecambe and his comedy partner, Ernie Wise. Despite the fame and success, it was only after Morecambe’s death that the true depth of the public’s love and admiration for him became fully apparent to his children. This auction serves as a way for the Morecambe family to honor that legacy, while giving fans a chance to hold onto a piece of comedy history.
The collection will go up for auction in January 2024, and interested buyers can expect to see many of these unique items change hands as fans and collectors from around the world bid for a chance to own a piece of Eric Morecambe’s legacy.