Lawrence of Arabia’s sandals go under hammer
A PAIR of Lawrence of Arabia’s sandals – which had been kept safe in a Waitrose carrier bag – is going up for auction.
The British Army officer – born Thomas Edward Lawrence in Tremadog, Gwynedd – made his name in the First World War aiding the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire and is believed to have clocked up quite a few miles in the well-worn shoes, according to experts.
Lawrence’s exploits were dramatised in the 1962 Oscar-winning Hollywood epic, starring Peter O’Toole.
The brown sandals were among a series of keepsakes left by TE Lawrence to family friend Rodney Havelock Walker.
Also going under the hammer are photos of Mr Walker as a baby, wearing Lawrence’s white lace christening robe, together with a picture taken by the adventurer while in Libya.
Another lot is a copy of Lawrence’s book, Seven Pillars Of Wisdom, given to Mr Walker by his parents because of their connections.
The collection, which goes on sale at Hansons Auctioneers in Etwall, Derbyshire, on December 19, is expected to fetch up to £3,000.
Mr Walker later bequeathed the mementoes to another family, who have now decided to sell them.
Auctioneer and antiquities expert Charles Hanson said: “When I pulled Lawrence of Arabia’s sandals out of a Waitrose carrier bag, I was astonished – and delighted. He is one of Britain’s most iconic figures, a man who played a key role in world history.
“We understand the sandals were worn by the great man himself.
“Though in a delicate condition, they are remarkable survivors from almost a century ago.”
Lawrence, a diplomat, archaeologist and writer, was born in Wales in 1888.