Robbie Williams has revealed that he purchased Eric Morecambe’s iconic glasses for £20,000 at auction. The singer called the comedian an “uncle of sorts,” noting that Morecambe’s “spirit has been salve for my soul.” Williams expressed overwhelming emotions, stating he cried “happy, childlike tears” after triumphing in a bidding war last month that greatly exceeded the initial estimate of £2,000 to £4,000.
The imitation tortoiseshell glasses, crafted by Metzler, are closely associated with Morecambe’s sharp wit and comedic persona. Along with the glasses, auction attendees had the opportunity to bid on Morecambe’s Barling briar pipe and two black-and-white photographs of the comedian wearing the spectacles. This extensive collection of showbiz memorabilia, encompassing a lifetime of personal items from Morecambe’s former home, became available in January after the passing of his widow, Joan, who lived to the age of 97.
Until Williams made his participation known, the identity of the mystery buyer behind the five-figure purchase remained confidential. The former Take That star announced the special acquisition in an Instagram post just before his 51st birthday. Alongside two images of himself with the glasses and pipe, he shared the exhilarating context, which followed months of promotional work for his semi-autobiographical film, Better Man.
During the auction, Williams was unable to be present physically as he was in Los Angeles preparing to board a plane. He designated a team member, Mike, as his “chief bidder” to secure the coveted lot. Describing the excitement, Williams remarked that their determination transformed the experience into a “primal competitive and irrational” frenzy, joking that he and his wife, Ayda, were even willing to spend their children’s inheritance on the bid.
Upon securing the win, Williams shared his profound connection to Morecambe, reflecting on the impact the comedian had on him throughout his life. “To the very core of me, Eric Morecambe’s spirit has been salve for my soul,” he stated, expressing his desire to evoke joy in others, just as Morecambe had done for him. He even mentioned that he might consult the glasses whenever he had questions, hoping to “maybe get some answers.”
Williams concluded his heartfelt message with a tribute to Morecambe’s legacy, declaring, “Eric, you were and are the very best of the very best. That sunshine you asked for, you gave to me,” before signing off with, “Your fan, Robert x.”
The auction, conducted by Hanson Auctioneers, featured Morecambe’s possessions spread across 700 lots on January 10 and 11, highlighting a poignant moment in the comedic world more than 40 years after the beloved entertainer died of a heart attack at the age of 58 in 1984.
