Barry Humphries Collection Auction Scheduled for February

The personal collection of late Australian entertainer Barry Humphries will be auctioned at Christie's in London on February 13, featuring around 250 items, including the iconic diamante-encrusted spectacles of his alter ego, Dame Edna Everage, estimated to fetch up to £1,500. Humphries, who passed away in April 2023, was a celebrated comedian known for characters like Dame Edna and Sir Les Patterson, and he was also a passionate collector of art and literature, owning an estimated 50,000 books. Leading the auction is a painting by Charles Conder, 'Sand Dunes, Ambleteuse', expected to attract bids of £300,000, alongside notable items such as a first edition of Oscar Wilde's 'The Importance Of Being Earnest' valued at £150,000. Other artworks include European and symbolist pieces, with estimates ranging from £100,000 to £180,000. The pre-sale exhibition will be open to the public from February 7 to 12, showcasing the diverse collection that reflects Humphries' multifaceted interests and contributions to arts and culture.