LONDON.- Christie’s will present a rare window in to the erudite collection of Barry Humphries (1934–2023) in a live auction in London on 13 February 2025. The world renowned Australian performer, best known for his characters Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, started collecting in his teens, and over more than half a century built a collection driven by knowledge, passion and curiosity. Comprising approximately 250 lots, estimates range from £200 to £300,000. The full pre-sale exhibition will be on public view from 7 February to 12 February.

Benedict Winter, Associate Director, Private & Iconic Collections, Christie’s London: “Barry Humphries is best remembered for his comedic genius, but behind this famous figure was a true polymath and connoisseur. His passion for collecting and his insatiable appetite for deepening his knowledge was the driving force behind the acquisition of these fascinating and very diverse works of art. This refined and engaging collection provides compelling insights into the private world of this very public performer. Wherever you are, I encourage you to browse online at Christies.com; we look forward to welcoming everyone to the free public view at our headquarters in London.”

Humphries’s renowned group of works by Australian painter Charles Conder stars Sand dunes, Ambleteuse, which leads the sale (estimate: £200,000-300,000). Elsewhere, his collection includes: the best of fin-de-siècle decadent literature, including an astonishing collection of Oscar Wilde related material led by a presentation copy of The Importance of Being Earnest; 19th century European and Symbolist Art with works by Khnopff, Delville and von Stuck; alongside examples of Impressionist and Modern British Art by Sluijters and Sir William Nicholson, and Modern Design including a chandelier by Edgar Brandt. The sale will also offer highlights from Dame Edna Everage’s Personal Collection, ranging from costume and ‘face furniture’ (glasses), to caricatures.