Laurel and Hardy scripts up for sale
MEMORABILIA UNDER HAMMER ON TYNESIDE
SCRIPTS by Stan Laurel are being sold on Tyneside today to reflect the star’s North East roots.
A J Marriot, who has written seven books on Stan and his comedy partner Oliver Hardy and from 2002 until last year was editor of the Laurel and Hardy magazine, is selling the lots.
Stan, born Arthur Stanley Jefferson, spent his formative years from five to 15 living in Dockwray Square in North Shields, where his father managed the local theatre.
As he gained worldwide fame, he maintained his connections with North Shields and corresponded with people in the area until his death in 1965.
Because of the links, Barnsleybased Mr Marriot has elected to sell 30 lots from his collection – expected to fetch a total of around £12,000 – today at Newcastle auctioneers Anderson and Garland.
The sale includes original Laurel and Hardy comedy sketch scripts, including one for their only British TV appearance in 1953, which itself is estimated at £700 – £1,000.
The scripts were written, typed and then overwritten by Stan Laurel.
One was performed on Laurel and Hardy’s US Tours, and the others on their three post-war tours of British variety theatres.
There are also files of signed photographs, film posters and a range of theatre programmes from Laurel and Hardy tours, including that for their show at the Newcastle Empire in 1952.
After making his name in the United States, Stan Laurel visited North Shields in 1932 where he was given a civic reception.
Mr Marriot’s research shows that in his speech at the reception, Stan said: “I was not born in North Shields, but I feel that I just belong here. I am proud to be amongst you all.”
When he returned to Britain in 1947, he and Oliver Hardy visited Dockwray Square.
Mr Marriot wrote in his Laurel and Hardy British Tours book: “They were guests of the Mayor of Tynemouth Francis J. Mavin, who had them chauffeured to Dockwray Square. At his last attempt, in 1932, Stan had been unable to enjoy the visit in solitude owing to the mass of fans but, this time, having the whole week in which to chose his moment, found the square relatively empty.
“Hardy was to say that Laurel was so excited as he neared his home, ‘he almost jumped out of the car.’”
Mr Marriot’s books have sold in 40 countries and one will be the basis for a film next year.
He started researching for his first book. Laurel and Hardy – The British Tours in 1987, which took six years of fact-finding and the writing of 600 letters to people seeking information and first-hand memories.
Other books followed, covering the duo’s US and European tours and Stan Laurel’s solo stage tours plus two volumes on Stan and Ollie’s Life and Times.
Mr Marriot said: “During my research I contacted hundreds of people who were part of the Laurel and Hardy story, plus gathering material from scores of library, newspapers, collectors, auctions and agencies.
“But now, after the fun of gathering the items from all four corners of the globe it is now time to let others have the fun of owning this personalised memorabilia.”
A royal gift from the late Queen Mother will also be up for auction on Tuesday.
The 19th century Sevres porcelain pill box was given by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother for sale at a fete in Lesbury in Northumberland in July 1948 in aid of the Red Cross.
The box will be sold by Newcastle auctioneers Anderson and Garland, with an estimate of £200 – £400.