In a remarkable display of fervent bidding, a pair of iconic Dame Edna Everage glasses once owned by the late Barry Humphries soared to astonishing heights at a recent auction, fetching a staggering £37,800—a remarkable ascent from their initial estimated value of £1,000 to £1,500. The spirited auction, orchestrated by the revered Christie’s auction house, captivated collectors and enthusiasts alike with its riveting array of memorabilia linked to the esteemed artist.
Barry Humphries, the creative genius behind the beloved character Dame Edna, left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment before his passing in 2023 at the age of 89. A poignant state memorial held at the Sydney Opera House paid tribute to his illustrious career and enduring legacy, underscoring the profound impact of his artistic contributions.
Dame Edna’s effervescent charm and distinctive style, epitomized by her trademark sunglasses, charmed audiences worldwide and solidified her status as a cultural phenomenon. The allure of the Dame Edna persona was further exemplified by the sale of a gown worn by Humphries as the flamboyant character at the prestigious Royal Variety Show in 2013, fetching an impressive £21,420 at the auction.
The eclectic assortment of items up for bidding included a diverse selection of artifacts from Humphries’ personal collection, ranging from whimsical costumes to captivating artwork. Noteworthy among the lots was Charles Conder’s exquisite painting “Sand dunes, Ambleteuse,” which commanded a princely sum of £239,400, showcasing the enduring allure and artistic appreciation of Humphries’ possessions.
The auction’s offerings extended beyond mere memorabilia, delving into the realms of literary treasures and rare manuscripts. A first edition copy of Oscar Wilde’s timeless classic, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” bearing a heartfelt inscription from the esteemed author to his publisher, proved to be another coveted item, fetching a remarkable £138,600 and underscoring the enduring appeal of literary rarities among discerning collectors.
The culmination of nine hours of fervent bidding culminated in a resounding success, with the auction realizing a grand total of £4,627,224—an impressive testament to the enduring legacy of Barry Humphries and the fervent passion he instilled in his expansive collection. Benedict Winter of Christie’s London lauded the exceptional results as a fitting tribute to Humphries’ visionary spirit and unwavering dedication to the art of collecting.
The fervor surrounding famous spectacles transcends geographical boundaries and cultural divides, as evidenced by singer Robbie Williams’ emotional triumph at a recent auction where he secured the prized glasses and pipe of comedy legend Eric Morecambe. In a touching display of nostalgia and admiration, Williams tearfully expressed his joy, describing the moment as evoking “happy, childlike tears” that encapsulated the profound impact of cherished memorabilia on the hearts of
