Collection of autographs including Nelson Mandela's could fetch £100k at auction

15 June 2023 , 18:06

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Clive's signed photos of Dolly Parton and Bryan Adams (Image: Sworders/BNPS)

The world’s biggest private ­collector of autographs counts ­Nelson Mandela as his favourite among 60,000 famous names he has amassed over 70 years.

But Clive Bullimore, 87, is still peeved about missing out on Marlon Brando.

Now the retired stockbroker plans to put his ­lifetime’s work under the hammer for what he hopes will sell for £100,000.

Highlights include Bond actors Sean Connery, Roger Moore, George Lazenby and Pierce Brosnan, with a guide price of up to £800 each.

Clive, who lives with wife Margaret in Hoddesdon, Herts, said: “I did it for the thrill and the making of memories and friendships rather than any notion of investment.”

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Clive Bullimore (Sworders/BNPS)

Following his retirement in 1992, Clive spent his spare time waiting outside stage doors, posh restaurants and hotels, and TV and record studios. He also wrote to stars with stamped addressed envelopes and exchanged intelligence from fellow autograph hunters on where to pounce.

His efforts rewarded him with huge catches including The Rolling Stones, George Best, Amy Winehouse, Jennifer Lopez, Dolly Parton, Paul McCartney, Kirsty MacColl, the Harry Potter cast, Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie and Bee Gees’ Barry Gibb.

Clive's huge collection is going up for auction (Sworders/BNPS)

He said: “My best was Nelson Mandela at the Dorchester. He turned up unexpectedly. Marlon turned up at the Albert Hall with Quincy Jones but wouldn’t sign.”

Clive’s family are keeping a few treasures including a Mohammed Ali book.

Amy Winehouse's autograph (Sworders/BNPS)

Michael Kousah, of Sworders Auctioneers of Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, said: “The collection is remarkable in scale and breadth.”

The timed auction goes live today and runs until June 25.

Dan Warburton