In an impressive display of nostalgia, a pair of Dame Edna Everage’s signature glasses, once worn by the late Barry Humphries, have sold for a staggering £37,800 at auction.
The sale took place earlier today, with the yellow-lacquered ‘Possum’ spectacles fetching over 25 times their estimated value of £1,500.
A Nod to Dame Edna’s Iconic Look
The glasses, crafted by Anglo American Eyewear, were a hallmark of Humphries’ Dame Edna character throughout the 1980s.
Engraved with the label ‘POSSUM’ on the inside of one arm, they were a fitting tribute to Dame Edna’s unforgettable catchphrase.
The eccentric glasses, with their oversized cat-eye design, became synonymous with the larger-than-life character that was adored by fans worldwide.
Humphries’ Legacy as a Polymath
Although Dame Edna was undoubtedly Humphries’ most famous creation, the Australian entertainer’s repertoire included a wide variety of roles.
From the crude and alcoholic Sir Les Patterson to the lovable Sandy Stone, Humphries’ characters ranged in tone but were all marked by his sharp wit and unique comedic style.
Barry Humphries, who passed away in April 2023 at the age of 89, left behind a remarkable legacy as an actor, writer, painter, and even a film producer.
A Rare Glimpse Into Humphries’ Personal Collection
The auction, held at Christie’s, showcased 243 personal items from the late star’s extensive collection, offering insight into his many interests.
One particularly noteworthy item was a painting by renowned Australian artist Arthur Merric Bloomfield Boyd.
The piece, titled Barry Humphries painting at Shoalhaven, sold for £32,760—over three times its pre-sale estimate of £10,000.
Inscribed with a personal note from Boyd, it added another layer of sentimentality to the sale.
Humphries himself was also an accomplished artist, and one of his works, The Library and Chapel – Quinta da Capela, Sintra, Portugal, fetched £25,200, far exceeding its estimated value of £3,000.
This sale reinforced Humphries’ multi-faceted legacy as not just a comedian, but a true creative force.
Art and Literature Included in the Sale
Among the many treasures at the auction were several books and manuscripts, including a first edition copy of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, inscribed to Wilde’s publisher.
These literary items, alongside works of art, highlighted Humphries’ broad and cultivated taste.
A Tribute to a Cultural Icon
Benedict Winter, associate director at Christie’s London, reflected on Humphries’ legacy, stating that he was not only remembered for his comedic brilliance but also for his diverse interests and insatiable curiosity.
Winter added, “Barry Humphries is best remembered for his comedic genius, but behind his famous figure was a true polymath and connoisseur.
His passion for collecting and deepening his knowledge drove the acquisition of these fascinating works of art.”
Barry Humphries’ Enduring Influence
As biographer Anne Pender once described him, Barry Humphries was “the most significant comedian to emerge since Charlie Chaplin” and “the most significant theatrical figure of our time.”
His remarkable career saw him become a beloved guest on British talk shows, including Michael Parkinson, and even made appearances on the U.S. comedy series Ally McBeal.
Through his varied talents, Humphries touched countless lives, and his final auction sale offers a lasting tribute to his extraordinary legacy.
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