Entertainment Memorabilia

The sale of a collection of John Inman memorabilia at auction has highlighted the 1970s star enduring popularity with collectors across the UK.

Collecting often leads to a certain obsession, as many enthusiasts with attics filled to burst or garages stuffed with boxes will admit. Take the example of a group now forming 700 lots to be dispersed at an Irish sale.

A ‘Moonraker’ laser rifle and letter from Roger Moore are among sales highlights at a James Bond auction in the Midlands as Surrey auction house Ewbank’s prepares for its Bond and Beyond memorabilia sale.

While Booker White is usually not the first bluesman who comes to mind, the musicians he inspired are instantly recognisable: the likes of Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison and The Rolling Stones.

Suave and sophisticated are the terms that come to mind when referring to the late, great and saintly James Bond actor Roger Moore. A raised eyebrow perhaps. But certainly not the word ‘bollocks’.

Posters covering band or artist appearances during the embryonic days of their development are proving very popular at auction – a trend underlined by a group of mid-Sixties Pink Floyd designs.

The archive of John Mollo, the concept artist behind the Star Wars franchise, came up at Bonhams this week. Leading the sale was a personal sketchbook showing some of the first hand-drawn costume designs for Darth Vader, Chewbacca and the stormtroopers.

The prop that was a running joke in the 1980s sitcom was hammered down at £15,000 at the saleroom of East Bristol Auctions today.

One of the UK’s most famous ‘Old Master’ paintings will be offered at auction tomorrow. Estimated at £5000-10,000, the Fallen Madonna With The Big Boobies from the sitcom Allo ‘Allo is to is appearing at East Bristol Auctions.

Specialist musical instrument auction house Gardiner Houlgate is to sell a cache of touring equipment from '80s band Tears for Fears.

A look at upcoming stand-out lots in poster sales held around the world, along with a round-up of recent highlights – including a hammer horror classic sold by a London dealer and an Edward Wadsworth design at a Dorset auction.

Not only was David Bowie a rather good musician, but he turned his talents to art as well. His diverse talents are encapsulated by two lots sold in separate UK auctions, with the first coming at Suffolk saleroom Bishop & Miller on November 10.

One of the UK’s most famous ‘Old Master’ paintings is coming to auction in Bristol estimated at £5000-10,000. ‘Allo ‘Allo’s 'Fallen Madonna With The Big Boobies' is to be offered at East Bristol Auctions next month.

With the Star Wars saga now more than 40 years old – and still going strong – the memorabilia market buzzes as never before. With so many of the original fans of the first movies now at prime income-earning age, prices for figures, posters and props continue to rise.