Signed by Barker using the most famous of his pseudonyms, that of G(erald) Wiley, this sketch, also known as ‘Annie Finkhouse’ – say it out loud – was part of a June 1 sale held by East Bristol Auctions (18% buyer’s premium).
Barker used several pseudonyms when writing for The Two Ronnies, feeling it important that his sketches be judged on their merit, rather than by who had written them.
This script came to light some 30 years after its creation, turning up on a 2006 edition of BBC’s Antiques Roadshow and its authenticity was confirmed by Ronnie Corbett, its creator having died the previous year.
Around a year after that TV appearance it was sold to a private collector at £48,500 and in December of last year it resurfaced in a Hansons auction with a £30,000-40,000 estimate, but failed to sell.
