Further to the success of valuation days in 2009 and 2010 Bonhams Auctioneers in London is mounting a campaign in Southport to unearth important rock and roll and film memorabilia for the forthcoming 15 December 2011 Entertainment Memorabilia sale in their London salerooms.
The Rolling Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix and The Sex Pistols, to name but a few, have all played in Lancashire, and photographs, posters, handbills and autographs from these events could be worth more than you think at auction.
The Beatles appeared in Southport on numerous occasions between 1962 and 1964, including the filming for the BBC Documentary ‘The Mersey Sound’ in August 1963. Bonhams sold an archive of 37 photographs, in 2006, many of which were taken in Southport for £5,400. In December 2010 they also sold ten unpublished photographs of the Beatles filming for the BBC Manchester programme ‘The Liverpool Sound’, 1963 for £1,440
In 2008 Bonhams sold a Jimi Hendrix flyer for a 1967 appearance at the Imperial Ballroom, Nelson for £840. Also in 2008 Bonhams sold a Beatles flyer and programme for an appearance in Blackpool during July 1963 for £780. A publicity card of the group, autographed by them at the Co-op Hall, Darwen in January 1963, sold for £3,000 at Bonhams in June 2011.
Did you go to any of these concerts? Did you manage to meet the stars and obtain posters or autographs? If so, Bonhams’ specialists would be delighted to meet you.
Bonhams has also sold some of the most important items of film memorabilia to appear on the market, including in 2009 a film poster for the 1962 movie ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ for £25,200. In June 2011, a design illustration by Ralph McQuarrie for ‘Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back’ fetched £2,880 at Bonhams.
Bonhams is offering free valuations, with a view to selling, for film, television and popular music memorabilia including: film posters, props and costume, autographs, concert posters, previously unseen photographs and other memorabilia at the Southport office –33 Botanic Road, Churchtown, Southport, PR9 7NE, on Thursday 6th October. Appointments can be made by calling 01704 507 875 or emailing [email protected]
Stephanie Connell, Head of Bonhams Entertainment Department, who was born in Lancashire, said “Southport, Blackpool and the Lancashire area have played an extremely important role in the history of rock and roll memorabilia and this is a great opportunity for those who managed to meet groups such as the Beatles or the Rolling Stones during their 1960s tours to have their memorabilia appraised. ”
“We are also interested in film and TV memorabilia such as posters and original props. Bonhams’ Entertainment sales receive world-wide coverage, and in the past we have offered some of the most important pieces ever to come to the market.”
