Comedy exhibition seeks Eric's glasses

A new museum exhibition celebrating the comedy heritage of the north-west has launched a quest for a pair of Eric Morecambe's specs.

Curator John McGoldrick has spent a year assembling a formidable collection of stage props, memorabilia and archive film for the Grin Up North collection - but the famous black-rimmed glasses have eluded him.

He said: "Grin Up North is all about the spirit of northern humour and Eric is one of the most celebrated figures in northern, and indeed British comedy."

Memorabilia collected so far include a replica of the Morecambe statue erected in the seaside town from which he took his name, a costume Les Dawson wore in his last ever pantomime and a collection of mementoes from Hylda Baker.

McGoldrick added: "Les Dawson's widow Tracy and the family of Albert Modley, another of Morecambe's favourite comedians, have been very kind in donating memorabilia.

"We just hope there's someone out there that can help with the glasses."

Other Lancastrian comics featuring in the exhibition include Peter Kay, Dave Spikey, Johnny Vegas, Frank Randle and Albert Modley.

McGoldrick said: "This is going to be a lively exhibition that will show younger people exactly where comedians like Peter Kay and Johnny Vegas get their humour. It will also be a trip down memory lane for those who remember legends like Morecambe, Dawson and Randle."

Ken Dodd will open the Grin Up North exhibition at he Museum of Lancashire in Preston on July 19, where it will remain until April next year.

If you have any memorabilia relevant to the exhibition, call John McGoldrick on 01772 534066.

Published: 18 Jun 2003