The contents of the estate of British acting royalty, the late Robert Hardy, have gone up for sale.
They include mementos from the legendary actor’s most well known theatre, film and TV roles during his 60 year career.
Hardy, who starred as Cornelius Fudge in the Harry Potter films, kept hold of the items until his death, aged 91, in August last year.
In total, there are 150 lots in the sale, which also features his paintings, furniture and glassware, with an estimated value of £50,000.
The contents of the estate of British acting royalty, the late Robert Hardy (pictured in Harry Potter as Cornelius Fudge), have gone up for sale
An oil painting of Robert Hardy on horseback in the role of Prince Albert (left). Hardy portrayed Prince Albert in the award-winning 13-hour television drama serial Edward the Seventh. Estimated at £300-£400. Pictured (right) is a portrait of Robert Hardy of Westmorland (1758-1788). Estimated at £1,000-£1,500
The original brass name plaque which was attached to to railings outside the fictional vets on the series All Creatures Great and Small. Estimated £700-£1,000
A Stetson hat formerly owned by Sir Winston Churchill with the initials ‘WSC’ to inside leather band written in ink by Hardy. Estimated at £3,000-£5,000 (left) and 9ct gold ring. Estimated at £70-£100 (right)
Hardy, who starred as Cornelius Fudge in the Harry Potter films, kept hold of the items until his death, aged 91, in August last year
Hardy played eccentric veterinary surgeon Siegfried Farnon in the popular BBC family show All Creatures Great and Small which ran from 1978 to 1990.
His character’s name plaque which was attached to the fictional veterinary practice Skeldale House is tipped to sell for £1,000.
After he delivered a BAFTA-winning performance as Winston Churchill in the 1981 ITV drama series Churchill: The Wilderness Years, a close family member of the former prime minister gave him his cream stetson hat marked with the initials ‘WSC’.
The hat, which Hardy often wore at special events and lectures, is expected to fetch £5,000.
A navy and white spotted bow tie formerly owned and worn by Churchill has an estimate of £600.
A replica 28ins sword Hardy wielded as Henry V in the 1960 TV drama series An Age Of Kings which he starred in alongside Sir Sean Connery and Dame Judi Dench is tipped to sell for £600.
His appearance in the drama sparked an interest in medieval military history and he enjoyed a second career as a historian and expert on the longbow.
A navy and white spotted bow tie (left, Robert Hardy wearing it in 2015) formerly owned and worn by Sir Winston Churchill. Estimated at £400-£600
A display of 42 small monotone screen shot stills taken from ìAn Age of Kingsî, Hardy’s television adaptation of various William Shakespeare plays. Estimated at £200-£300
He published two books on the subject and was one of the experts consulted during the raising of Henry VIII’s flagship, Mary Rose. Nine of his longbows feature in the sale which are each valued at £400.
A portrait of his great-great grandfather Robert Hardy, dating from 1780, is expected to fetch £1,500. His imposing 8ft by 9ft George III mahogany bookcase is valued at £3,000.
Some of the contents of Hardy’s estate were previously sold in 2015 and following his death auctioneer Dominic Winter have been entrusted with a second sale.
Colin Meays, specialist at Dominic Winter, of Cirencester, Gloucs, said: ‘It has been fascinating to be able to see the personal collection of such a well-known figure, and obtain a glimpse into his family’s interesting and historical past.
Robert Hardy’s mahogany breakfront bookcase. Estimated at £2,000-3,000
The former home of Robert Hardy. The contents of the estate of the British acting royalty have emerged for sale
The sale features mementos from the legendary actor’s most well known theatre, film and TV roles during his 60 year career. Hardy, who starred as Cornelius Fudge in the Harry Potter films, kept hold of the items until his death aged 91 in August last year
‘Robert was so much more than just an actor, he had many interests and talents, and this comes across in the items being offered for sale.
‘When the items are offered for sale next week, fans will have the opportunity to be future custodians of some of Robert Hardy’s varied collection.
‘He was an extremely popular and well-loved figure in both the acting, archery and medieval military history worlds.
‘In 2015 Robert moved house and a successful sale was held which included books, furniture, paintings and theatre memorabilia.
‘The actor was a true gentleman of the old school, and it was a pleasure to deal with him during the process of putting together the sale.
‘It is with sadness that we now offer a second sale of items which belonged to Robert, a sale that has come about as a result of his death in August last year.
‘Items of personal importance have been retained by the family and the decision to part with the various items in the auction has not been taken lightly by them. We are honoured to be entrusted with the sale a second time.’
The auction takes place on Thursday.