In what could be one of the most extensive private autograph collections globally, the Clive Bullimore Autograph Collection is poised for auction. This remarkable collection, featuring around 60,000 celebrity signatures, was meticulously gathered by a former stockbroker from Hoddesdon over more than seven decades. The collection, a veritable who’s who of 20th-century pop culture, is anticipated to bring in over £100,000 when it goes under the hammer at Sworders in Stansted Mountfitchet from June 16 to 25.
Clive Bullimore’s passion for autograph collecting began at the age of 17 in the early 1950s. While working at the London Stock Exchange, he spent his Saturdays in London, frequenting hotels, theatres, record stores, and TV studios in search of celebrity signatures. He often relied on press tips and exchanged information with fellow enthusiasts. For Hollywood stars who seldom visited the UK, he would send letters with stamped addressed envelopes requesting signed photographs or personal notes.
Even after retiring in 1992, Mr. Bullimore continued his hobby, leveraging the internet as a new resource while still traveling to meet celebrities. He recounts thousands of face-to-face encounters with actors, musicians, sports figures, politicians, and other public figures. His autograph hunting was interrupted by the Covid lockdown, during which he organized his collection and decided to prepare it for sale.
The Collection Breakdown
This extensive collection, comprising over 100,000 autographs from approximately 60,000 individuals, will be auctioned by Sworders in 600 lots, categorized into three main sections. About 100 lots consist of individual autograph albums, each containing a variety of signatures, with most estimated to sell for £200 to £300. Notable albums include those featuring Jack Bruce, Nick Rhodes, Slash, Robin Gibb, and Suggs, as well as another with signatures from Elaine Paige, Colin Firth, Yoko Ono, Meat Loaf, and Jean-Claude Van Damme.
Additionally, the collection includes lever arch files filled with signed photographs, flyers, and letters, organized by themes. Science fiction enthusiasts will find a lot with photos of 13 Star Trek cast members, 47 Dr. Who signatures, and 33 from Star Wars actors, expected to fetch £400 to £600. A series of signed photos and flyers from James Bond actors, including Sean Connery and Roger Moore, is estimated at £400 to £800.
Highlights and Personal Favorites
A standout feature is a set of seven postcards, each signed by Roger Moore for his Bond films. Nearly half of the photographs were taken by Mr. Bullimore himself. A collection of 71 photos of female musicians, including Nana Mouskouri, Dolly Parton, Linda McCartney, Diana Ross, and Dame Vera Lynn, is expected to sell for £400 to £600. The sports section boasts three George Best autographs and most of the 1966 World Cup-winning team.
The collection also includes 68 lots of vinyl records signed by the artists. A signed copy of “Let It Bleed” by The Rolling Stones is among the most valuable items, with an estimate of £200 to £400. A collection of 40 signed video cassettes, records, and CDs by the Spice Girls is valued at £300 to £600. Mr. Bullimore also met Amy Winehouse several times, and a card inscribed by her, along with a signed single, is estimated at £200 to £400.
For Mr. Bullimore, the joy of collecting was in the pursuit and the memories created, rather than financial gain. He has never sold any autographs, though he did trade duplicates with other collectors. Despite a few missing signatures, such as Marlon Brando and Madonna, his family has chosen to retain a few cherished items, including a Muhammad Ali signed book kept by his grandson.
