Chipping Norton-based comic genius Ronnie Barker’s antique shop sign will be going to auction today.
When the late comic genius Mr Barker (1929-2005) finally retired from showbiz in 1987 at the age of 58, he and his wife Joy turned their hand to becoming antiques dealers.
Opening a shop called The Emporium in Chipping Norton High Street to follow his passion for antiques in 1989, he quipped: “I lose money every week, but it’s a hobby.
"It’s cheaper than skiing and safer at my age.”
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Safer it may have been, but the BBC’s star turn failed to replicate his success off screen and the shop was sold after ten years.
The unit is now occupied by health shop Oats.
Now Ewbank’s auction centre, based near Guildford, will offer The Emporium’s 330 x 38cm shop sign in their May 30 Entertainment and Memorabilia Premier Live Auction with an estimate of £500 to £1,000.
The auction will start today at noon.
The consignor bought the sign at auction in the 1990s as part of a collection when the antique shop was sold.
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The family of the late comedian moved from Bedford to Oxford and bought a house at 23 Church Cowley Road in 1935 when he was five years old.
The Two Ronnies star's first job after leaving school in the city was as a clerk at the Westminster Bank in Cowley.
In 1981 he returned to Oxfordshire, buying a country retreat at Dean.
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