A lot of Laurel
Rare archive goes under the hammer
An archive of rare Stan Laurel photographs and memorabilia has been put up for sale.
Auctioneers say Laurel's 82-year-old nephew, Huntley Jefferson Woods, could make up to £5,000 from the documents when they go under the hammer next month.
Anderson and Garland’s collectables specialist John Anderton said: "When Mr Woods came into our saleroom and invited us to see his collection we just couldn't believe that such a unique selection of memorabilia could have been sitting in a house only a dozen miles from our premises, unknown to all but a few of his friends.
"We've sold several autographed photographs of Laurel and Hardy over the years but not only does the collection include examples of these, but much rarer photos of Stan without Oliver, from the age of ten until his first meeting with Mr Woods in 1952 at Newcastle's Empire Theatre. Mr Woods was 29 and Stan 62 at the time."
Mr Woods grew up fascinated with tales of his uncle's exploits and built up his collection from then.
It will be sold at the Newcastle auction house on July 1.Published: 21 Jun 2004
