Steptoe writer Ray Galton's memorabilia - including his typewriter - sold off

A typewriter Ray Galton used to write scripts for Steptoe and Son is set to fetch hundreds of pounds at auction.

It is among a host of memorabilia from the late writer's home near Hampton Court Palace, London, that are going under the hammer on Saturday.

Other items include a Bechstein grand piano, a vintage pinball table and a Christmas gift of vintage Macallan whisky sent from Leonard Cohen  thanking Ray ‘for all the laughs’.

Chris Kirkham, from Hansons Auctioneers, said: 'The period splendour of Ray’s former family home is certainly a far cry from the tatty rag-and-bone yard the nation came to know and love in Steptoe and Son.

'Ray was a former union worker struck down by tuberculosis at 18. Nevertheless, he went on to achieve phenomenal success as a radio and television scriptwriter. Just how far he came is illustrated by the place he called home.

'As well as being awash with memories of his life and times, it is simply a magnificent place to be, enriched with a sense of history and happiness

'It’s been an absolute privilege to go inside To walk into a room and see his Bafta awards decorating a Bechstein grand piano, or to pick up a bottle of whisky to read a personal message from Leonard Cohen, was special for me. 

'And the moment I saw Ray’s typewriter I immediately pictured him hammering away at the keys, bringing a comedy moment to life. Whoever is fortunate enough to buy that will own a very special memento of British television history.'

Galton - who died at the age of 88 in 2018 - and his writing partner Alan Simpson created Hancock's Half Hour for Tony Hancock before creating Steptoe and Son.

The typewriter has an estimate of £100 to £200 and all of Ray Galton's items are catalogued here.

Published: 22 Oct 2022