A rare painting of a pike by Eric Morecambe which hung on his friend’s wall for 60 years is set to fetch £7,000 when it goes under the hammer in Derbyshire
The late comedian – who would be 100 this week – was a keen angler and painted the artwork for a friend.
The funnyman – best known for as one half of legendary duo Morecambe and Wise – could often be found river fishing to unwind from showbiz.
Away from the spotlight Morecambe was a keen amateur artist who dabbled in painting landscapes and portraits.
The pike watercolour, signed ‘E.Morecambe 66’, was uncovered just days before what would have been the late star’s 100th birthday on May 14..
The artwork was gifted to his friend Morris Murray in 1966 after they met at the Harpenden Round Table, where Eric was a member.
The pair remained such close friends that Eric bought Morris’s home when they moved to Poole in 1968.
He lived in the house until his death in 1984 and his widow Joan remained there until she passed away in 2024, aged 97.
Morris’ son Nigel, who inherited the painting after his father died, said: “Eric was very proud of his ability as a painter and had great pleasure in gifting a picture of a pike to my father in 1966.
“Uncle Eric and Auntie Joan and my mum and dad went out together a lot, and my brother and sister were also good friends with their children.
“In fact, I remember mum and dad meeting The Beatles when they appeared on one of the Eric and Ernie’s TV shows.
“When Uncle Eric came to visit it was fantastic.
“None of my pals could believe it. He was always such a funny man, always doing the paper bag trick or telling a joke.
“But no matter how famous he became it never changed him. He always had time for everyone.”
Eric’s son, Gary Bartholomew, a friend of Nigel’s, added: “It was outside the house that his true passions lay.
“Like fishing, these outdoors pursuits had begun in childhood through his father, who had the same passions.
“Maybe it was show business getting in the way for many years, but following his heart attack in 1968, he returned to his boyhood memories, recalling what pleasure nature had given him, and given his father, too.”
The painting is expected to sell for £7,000 but could fetch far more when it goes under the hammer at Hanson’s Auctioneers.
Auctioneer and star of TV’s Bargain Hunt Charles Hanson said: “This painting is a truly personal window into Eric’s love of nature and friendship.
“It was painted as a gift for a dear friend and remains a rare reminder of his life beyond the stage.”
The painting will be auctioned at Hansons’ saleroom in Etwall, Derbys., next month.
