A spectacular auction of the late entertainment legend Cilla Black's personal wardrobe has generated an impressive £40,000 for charity, a decade after her passing. The sale, featuring 246 meticulously preserved items, was held with all proceeds benefiting Variety, the Children's Charity.
Show-Stopping Pieces and Top Bids
The auction saw fierce bidding for pieces that defined Cilla's iconic career. The top-selling item was the turquoise 'Faye' maxi dress she memorably wore on The Morecambe & Wise Show in 1971, fetching £800. Close behind was an ivory Jean Varon mini dress from the first season of her own BBC series in 1968, which sold for £720.
Cilla's son, Robert Willis, expressed his delight after the event, confirming that every single lot in the catalogue found a new owner. He stated, "I'm so glad that all the items have found new homes... I'm also very pleased that we raised £40,000 for Variety, the Children's Charity — something I'm sure Mum would have been very happy about!"
A Legacy Preserved for the Nation
In a move that cements Cilla Black's status in British cultural history, the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) has acquired several of her most iconic fashion pieces. These items will be preserved in the museum's archives, with plans to put them on public display in the future.
Robert Willis called this a "fantastic compliment" from a "prestigious institution," adding that it was a "great honour" for his mother's legacy. The collection offered a unique glimpse into fashion history, featuring designs from legendary names like Alexander McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent, and Jean Muir.
From the Attic to a New Life
The remarkable condition of the collection was no accident. Robert explained that the wardrobe had been given "pride of place in the attic" of the family home in Denham, Buckinghamshire. Each item was carefully stored on rails, protected by plastic covers and dress bags for many years, ensuring they remained in pristine condition for this special sale, which coincided with the tenth anniversary of her death in 2015.
Laurence Guinness, Chief Executive of Variety, highlighted the profound impact of the funds raised. He said the money would provide vital equipment like wheelchairs and specialist beds for disabled and disadvantaged children across the UK, calling it a "life-transforming impact" that continues Cilla's own legacy of generosity.
