David Stimpson: Up For Action At Bonhams

Saturday, 3 December 2011

Up For Action At Bonhams - Fine Art Auctioneers

I suppose this should be one of those Collectors Corner moments, although the items which follow are somewhat out of my of my price bracket. Yet as a collector of Prisoner memorabilia I will be interested to see how much the items fetch at auction. And who knows, there might be a collector out there reading this, who has the desire and funds to actually place a bid with Bonhams - Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers on December 15th 2011.

Lot No: 145

Patrick McGoohan's overcoat, as worn in 'Danger Man' and 'The Prisoner',

the black and white-weave wool coat with Aquascutum label

Estimate: £2,500 - 3,000, € 2,900 - 3,500

Request Condition Report

Footnote:

This was worn in the classic series of 'Danger Man' ('Secret Agent' in the USA) and in 'The Prisoner', episode 'A, B And C'. 'Danger Man' was first broadcast on British television in December 1960 and starred Patrick McGoohan as secret agent John Drake. Two more series were made between 1964 and 1966. Production of the fourth series ceased after two episodes as McGoohan didn't wish to to run the risk of the show repeating itself and he was also formulating his ideas for what would become 'The Prisoner'.

This enigmatic series was first shown in the UK in 1967 and ran for 17 episodes. The initial interest generated in Europe and North America increased dramatically ten years later, after repeat screenings. The programme's following gained momentum and the Six Of One appreciation society was founded (Patrick McGoohan being its President for nearly 30 years), since when more video and DVD releases have occurred.

Patrick McGoohan not only starred as the character 'No.6' but was also the creator and driving force behind the series. The first episode sees him resign from his secret government position, return home and succumb to knockout gas pumped into the room. He wakes in an identical room but in a different location, 'The Village'. He discovers all of its inhabitants are prisoners, identified only by a number. McGoohan's character is the only one, it seems, who has any will to escape, prompting his famous line, 'I am not a number, I am a free man!' The series provoked many questions and resulted in as many answers and theories as to its meaning.

This is one of several items of costume originally in the collection of McGoohan's close friend and dresser.

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Lot No: 146

Patrick McGoohan's suit, as worn in 'The Prisoner',

the charcoal two-piece with Major, Hayward Ltd. label, inscribed 2 in ballpoint

Estimate: £2,000 - 2,500, € 2,300 - 2,900

Request Condition Report

Footnote:

Worn in the final, controversial episode, 'Fall Out', broadcast 1st February 1968, in which McGoohan's character, 'No.6', escapes from his imprisonment.

This is one of several items of costume originally in the collection of McGoohan's close friend and dresser.

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'The Prisoner': a multi-coloured cape,