Hairy Bikers fans get the opportunity to bid for Dave Myers’ motorcycle leathers, boots and helmets.
Items belonging to the late Hairy Biker Dave Myers are going under the hammer at Special Auction Services in Newbury on Tuesday, September 8 on what would have been his 69th birthday.
The auction will include ephemera relating to his career, personal possessions including his trademark suits, waistcoats and biker leathers as well as antiques, paintings and works of art.
Best known as one of the Hairy Bikers, Dave’s Hein Gericke leathers and size 44 boots are sure to be popular with fans and they carry an estimate of £300-500 whilst his helmets could make up to £150 each. A group lot that includes his moustache comb is set to fetch £300-£500.
His characteristic waistcoats in various colours and materials as well as shirts hand- stitched by his wife will be offered in several lots.
Other examples of clothes include a Holland Esquire two-piece electric green suit that Dave called ‘The Green Shark Suit’ that is being sold with a pair of Pepe Milan matching dress shoes and belt (£100-200) and a Christian Lacroix cream linen suit worn on BBC’s ‘Cook Abroad’ in Egypt which is estimated at £80-100.
A pair of leather dance shoes worn by Dave on Strictly will be sold with his dress shirt and waistcoat for £300-500. A commemorative bottle of Laurent Perrier Champagne that reads ‘Legend have a great show from the team Elstree Studios’ given to him before he started his Strictly journey is estimated at £200-300, whilst a Radio Times 2013 Souvenir issue cover could make £40-60.
In his early 30s Dave spent six months of the year as a make-up artist working in film and TV and the other six months running his antiques shop in Scotland.
As a make-up artist Dave worked with many famous faces including Patrick Stewart, Robson Green, John Bird, Damien Lewis, Rupert Graves and TV work included Prime Suspect, Amanda Burton’s ‘The Whistle-Blower’ (2000), BBC’s ‘In Denial of Murder’ (2004) starring Stephen Tompkinson and Caroline Catz as well as Catherine Cookson Period Dramas (where he met Si King).
A portfolio of his make-up work is expected to fetch £1,000-2,000 and includes photographs of him with Dennis Hopper from ‘The Piano Player’ (2001), Christopher Lambert and a note from Sir Roger Moore that says, “Thank you for taking such care of my old face, I look forward to repeating the experience, Thank you Roger”.
A collection of polaroids from various productions, including Cluedo, Dad Savage and The Enemy, alongside signed cards from Patrick Stewart, Stephanie Beacham, Olivia D’abo and Norman Stone the Director of The Gambling man will also be offered for the same estimate.
Other photos of Dave on set working on prosthetics will be offered as a group lots for £100-£180 each. Scripts, call sheets and other letters of thanks from the cast and crew that he worked with will also be sold in lots for £150-300 each.
Dave’s love of antiques was piqued by his good friend Jean Barker with whom he often went “Antiquing” to find treasures for his shop as well as for his collection. Collecting antiques was a hobby that Dave returned to when his illness meant he was often housebound. A large early 19th century Dutch walnut long case, eight- day movement by Jan Gobels carries an estimate of £800-1,000 while a 19th century Meissen figurine of Cupid is estimated at £600-£800. The 19th Century Chinese porcelain vase, that survived a theft in their house in France could make £150. These are just some examples of the pieces that were displayed at his home. Dave’s broad areas of interest and thorough research meant he could regale his guests with stories about the antiques he had bought.
Although Lili and Dave usually agreed which items to buy, the Royal Worcester figurines estimated at £200-300 were the exception, Lili recalls that even the man packing them up thought they were making a dubious choice.
Other items going under the hammer include Hairy Bikers cookbooks, artwork and memorabilia from their World Tours. A shirt designed by Fashion Designer Tatiana Parfionova that Dave wore on Tour in Russia (£100-150) and a collection of various brightly coloured outfits and wigs that he wore on a Live Tour carries the same estimate.
SAS Director Thomas Forrester says, “The auction is a fitting tribute to Dave Myers the Hairy Biker, Strictly star and much loved national treasure. The vast array of items really illustrate how interesting and varied his life was and how he embraced all opportunities with 100% dedication and enthusiasm.”
Lili Myers says, “Making the decision to part with some of Dave’s belongings has not been easy. Every item holds a memory, a story or a reminder of the life we shared together. This auction is not about letting go of Dave. It is about sharing a small part of his remarkable legacy with those who supported him throughout his career and loved him as much as I did. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the charity NSPCC, helping to continue the spirit of kindness and generosity that was so important to Dave.
“I know he would be deeply touched to know that these items will find new homes with people who will cherish them, while also helping to support a cause close to our hearts.”
The auction also comprises a collection of Dave’s school reports from 1974 – 1976 (£150-£200) and Kitchenalia that he loved to use when cooking at home (from £30 per lot).
Examples of the furniture going under the hammer are a Stevenson Brothers England oak rocking horse (£600-800), a late 19th Century continental two tier work table (£150-£200) and a contemporary Chippendale style two- seater settee (£120-180).
Buyers will also have the opportunity to purchase pieces that Dave had on display at home including a porcelain and glass shaded lamp (£100-120), a pair of 19th Century hand blown claret jugs (£80-100) as well as a selection of paintings and works of art.
Some of the proceeds of the auction will be donated to NSPCC Childline.
Visit https://www.specialauctionservices.com/ for more.