Author Barbara to auction the jewellery behind her love story
THEIRS was a wonderful love story that lasted more than half a century. Now, bestselling writer Barbara Taylor Bradford, author of A Woman Of Substance, has decided to sell precious items of jewellery given to her by her husband, Bob Bradford, who died in July aged 94.
Among the most valuable pieces (above left) are: a diamond ring worth £35,000-£45,000; a diamond watch by David Morris estimated at £30,000-£50,000; an enamel and gem-set bangle by Verdura worth £20,000-£30,000; and a citrine and diamond ‘Bird on a Rock’ brooch by Schlumberger for Tiffany, valued at £8,000-£12,000.
Barbara, who met her U.S. film producer husband on a blind date in 1961 and remained married to him for 55 years, tells me: ‘Bob was the love of my life and the most generous and thoughtful person I’ve ever met.
‘He also had a fabulous eye and appreciated beautiful objects and exceptional craftsmanship.
‘During our wonderful marriage, he simply could not resist buying me fine jewellery. And I was given a lot, as we were married a long time. Every birthday, wedding anniversary, Christmas, new book publication, and even on holiday, Bob would often surprise me with a fabulous piece.
‘This summer, I was going through our collection and realised I wanted to avoid such wonderful pieces of jewellery and watches sitting in the safe for months on end. They really deserve to be worn and enjoyed as much as we both have over the years. I hope they make the new owners as happy as they have made us.’
The jewellery will be auctioned at Bonhams next month, with five timepieces belonging to her late husband — a percentage of the sales will go to the National Literacy Trust, a charity that helps disadvantaged youngsters.
Tomorrow, Barbara — who left school in Yorkshire at 15 and who learned, years later, that her mother Freda was the illegitimate daughter of the 2nd Marquess of Ripon — will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the publication of A Woman Of Substance.
Like all her books, it was dedicated to her beloved husband.