Home » Clive Bullimore Autograph Collection: Largest Private Collection Auction
Clive Bullimore Autograph Collection: Largest Private Collection Auction

Clive Bullimore Autograph Collection: Largest Private Collection Auction

An extraordinary collection of autographs, possibly the largest private collection globally, is poised for auction. The Clive Bullimore Autograph Collection, consisting of approximately 60,000 celebrity signatures, has been carefully curated by a former stockbroker from Hoddesdon over more than seventy years. This vast collection, offering a rich tapestry of 20th-century pop culture, is expected to garner over £100,000 at the auction hosted by Sworders in Stansted Mountfitchet, scheduled from June 16 to 25.

Clive Bullimore began his autograph collecting adventure at the age of 17 in the early 1950s. Throughout his career, he commuted daily from Hoddesdon to the London Stock Exchange. On weekends, he would return to the city, visiting hotels, theatres, record stores, and TV studios where celebrities were likely to be found. His strategy involved scanning the press for tips and exchanging information with fellow collectors. Occasionally, he relied on chance encounters at BBC studios or sent requests to Hollywood stars through the mail.

Even after retiring in 1992, Mr. Bullimore continued his collecting passion, leveraging the internet as a tool while still traveling extensively. He has shared numerous personal encounters with actors, musicians, sports figures, politicians, and other public figures. His collecting activities were only interrupted during the Covid lockdown, a time he used to organize the collection and prepare it for sale.

The collection, which includes over 100,000 autographs from about 60,000 individuals, will be divided into 600 lots for the auction. These lots are categorized into three distinct segments, featuring around 100 lots of autograph albums, each containing multiple signatures. These albums, showcasing names like Jack Bruce, Nick Rhodes, Slash, Robin Gibb, and Suggs, are estimated to sell for £200 to £300 each.

Highlights of the Collection

The collection also features lever arch files filled with signed photographs, flyers, and letters, organized into thematic categories. Science-fiction fans will find a lot featuring photos of 13 Star Trek cast members, 47 signatures from Dr. Who actors, and 33 from the Star Wars franchise, expected to fetch £400 to £600. A selection of James Bond memorabilia, including signatures from Sean Connery, Roger Moore, George Lazenby, and Pierce Brosnan, is guided at £400 to £800.

Among the most valuable items is a signed copy of “Let It Bleed” by The Rolling Stones, with signatures from Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts, and Ronnie Wood, estimated at £200 to £400. A unique collection of 40 signed video cassettes, records, and CDs by the Spice Girls is expected to sell for £300 to £600. Personal interactions with Amy Winehouse are also part of the collection, with signed items estimated at £200 to £400.

Mr. Bullimore’s pursuit of autographs was fueled by the excitement of the chase and the friendships formed along the way, rather than financial gain. Despite the vastness of his collection, he has a few regrets, such as not acquiring signatures from Marlon Brando or Madonna. His family has chosen to keep a few treasured items, including a Muhammad Ali signed book retained by his grandson.