The late Barry Humphries’ personal collection is set to captivate auction-goers on February 13, 2023, at Christie's London, featuring iconic items such as Dame Edna Everage’s dazzling diamante glasses. Renowned for his flamboyant characters—including the purple-haired, sharp-tongued Dame Edna and coarse diplomat Sir Les Patterson—Humphries, who passed away in April 2023 at the age of 89, was not only a beloved entertainer but also a passionate collector of art and literature.
Humphries, a household name across Australia and Britain, was best known for his comedic alter egos. Yet beyond the glitz and glamour of his performances, there lay another side to this multifaceted artist—a fervent bibliophile and art enthusiast. His collection, estimated to fetch between £2 and £4 million, includes some 240 lots showcasing his diverse interests.
Items going under the hammer include extravagant stage costumes, art pieces, and unique books. Among the highlights is Oscar Wilde’s personal copy of The Importance of Being Earnest, published as one of only 12 first editions. This edition bears the inscription, “To Leonard Smithers from the Author. This friendship and astonishment. Feb 1899.” Reportedly valued between £100,000 and £150,000, it reflects not only Humphries' love for literature but also his quest for rare and meaningful treasures.
Benedict Winter, associate director of private and iconic collections at Christie's, remarked, "Barry Humphries was obviously best known for his comedic personas but behind... was a really passionate, intelligent and curious man." This statement encapsulates Humphries' dual legacy as both laughter-inducing performer and serious curator of culture.
The auction will spotlight not just key literary works but also remarkable art pieces from notable artists including Charles Conder, Edward Burne-Jones, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. This spectrum of artwork showcases his deep appreciation for creativity, and many pieces reflect his penchant for the theatrical and whimsical.
The event will also feature the personal collection of Dame Edna’s infamous costumes, embodying the spirit and exuberance of Humphries' larger-than-life performances. Antique gowns and flamboyant accessories will be available, with the costumes expected to draw significant interest from fans and collectors alike. Notably, the diamond spectacles worn by Dame Edna could fetch between £1,000 and £1,500, allowing bidders to own a piece of the iconic persona.
Beyond the sale of his personal effects, the auction serves as retrospection on Humphries’ life, celebrating his impact on comedy and the performing arts. Proceeds from some of the sale items will benefit the Royal Variety Charity, reinforcing the entertainer's unwavering commitment to supporting the community he loved.
His home, often described as brimming with books and eclectic art, offered insight to his private passions. Amidst thousands of tomes—from treasured literary editions to obscure poetry—Humphries crafted his world, paralleling the vibrant shows he brought to life. This auction not only marks the public farewell to his flamboyant stage presence but also provides fans and collectors with access to the collection he cherished behind closed doors.
Indeed, Humphries was both performer and curator. A long-time member of the Roxburghe Club, he was known for his extensive collection of rare books and manuscripts—his obsession gave way to library shelves filled to capacity. His commitment to curations exemplified his knowledge, as well as enjoyment—a trait consistently showcased through gatherings where he would share pieces from his collection with guests.
Humphries’ mother, whose disapproval of his early literary exploits left her frustrated, once purged his collection of second-hand books from beneath their roof. It is said this may have kindled his lifetime quest for acquisitions. He sought to rebuild his lost childhood library—a determination evident through the extensive collections amassed throughout his life.
The auction marks not just the sale of artifacts but serves as the final performance of Barry Humphries. With the public viewing open until February 12, this is the last chance for fans to pay tribute to his artistic legacy. The combination of entertainment nostalgia and personal narrative creates a poignant backdrop for this significant event.
Beyond simply acquiring cherished artifacts, attendees can expect to feel the spirit of Humphries—from his comic creation as Dame Edna Everage to scholarly engagements surrounded by cherished volumes. The auction will reveal layers of the talented entertainer's life, culminating as clear evidence of his brilliance both onstage and behind the scenes.
Through the offerings at Christie's, his collection becomes available to patrons willing to appreciate and carry on his legacy. This unique merging of theatre, literary passion, and visual arts not only gives insight to who Barry Humphries truly was but ensures he remains alive through the hearts of fans and the artifacts he left behind.
Overall, the auction promises to be not only historic but deeply personal. Barry Humphries, the collector, the scholar, the performer—this is his final show, offering glimpses of the quiet genius and flamboyance set to leave lasting impressions.