Eric Morecambe's iconic glasses and pipe bought by Robbie Williams for £20,000

10 February 2025, 10:10

Eric Morecambe's famous fan is revealed.

During his career, Eric Morecambe was inseparable from a few key elements.

Top of the list was his comedy other half Ernie Wise, of course. Beyond that, there was this trademark pipe and glasses.

• When The Beatles made a legendary appearance with Morecambe & Wise
• When Angela Rippon stunned the nation with her high-kicking dance routine on Morecambe & Wise
• Remembering Glenda Jackson's hilarious turn as Cleopatra in Morecambe & Wise sketch

Those accessories were so much a part of his public persona that it was no surprise to see them go for a fair amount of money at a recent auction.

A number of personal and professional items were sold last month after the death of Eric's widow Joan last year. While the imitation tortoiseshell Metzler glasses and pipe had an estimated price of £2,000 to £4,000, but were actually sold for £20,000.

Nearly a month on, it's now emerged which famous fan was the lucky bidder.

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A post shared by Robbie Williams (@robbiewilliams)

None other than Robbie Williams revealed on Instagram that he had made the purchase to celebrate the promotional work he's done for his movie Better Man, as well as an upcoming 51st birthday present to himself.

"Happy childlike tears," Williams said of winning the auction.

"You see, I guess we all need friends-we-never-meet from off the telly. Eric has always been mine. An Uncle of sorts. To the very core of me, Eric Morecambe’s spirit has been salve for my soul."

He added: "How Eric made me feel is how I want to make people feel. What a gift to be able to create such joy and have that joy be present just by thinking of them.

"I will commune with Eric’s Glasses, ask questions and maybe get some answers. “What Would Eric Do?” Now I can ask him.

"Eric, you were and are the very best of the very best. That sunshine you asked for. You gave to me."