Cilla Black outfit auction raises over £40k for Variety charity
Designer gowns and iconic outfits from Cilla Black's TV years fetched more than £40,000 at auction, with every pound donated to Variety, the Children's Charity.
A charity auction of outfits worn by Cilla Black raised more than £40,000, thanks to a wide range of costumes from her long career in television and on stage. The Portsmouth sale featured 246 items, spanning glamorous gowns, show costumes, and vintage designs that defined a generation.
All proceeds go to Variety, the Children's Charity, following a family decision to mark the 10th anniversary of Black's death in 2015 at age 72.
Among the highlights was a turquoise gown trimmed with ostrich feathers, worn by Black at the Royal Variety Performance in 1969 — the first Colour television broadcast of the event.
A turquoise Thea Porter dress, worn as she sang Bring Me Sunshine on the Morecambe & Wise Show in 1971, sold for £800.
A red jumpsuit from the mid-1980s Surprise Surprise show, with an estimated price of £100–£200, sold for £540.
John Cameron of Nesbits Fine Art and Antique Auctions said the result was excellent, noting that nothing remained unsold and that there was strong interest in pantomime costumes as well as stylish pieces from the 1960s and 1970s.
Before the auction, Robert Willis, Black’s son, explained that the family chose to donate the collection to honour his mother’s memory. He stated that the clothes on sale represent a life spent in front of cameras, with most items worn on stage or on television.
Expert opinion
Expert comment: John Cameron of Nesbits called the sale a clear success, with universal selling and robust demand for vintage outfits. He highlighted especially strong interest in 60s and 70s looks.
Summary
In total, 246 outfits were sold, raising over £40,000 for Variety. The collection included iconic pieces such as the turquoise ostrich-feather gown from the 1969 Royal Variety Performance, the turquoise Thea Porter dress worn in 1971, and the red mid-1980s Surprise Surprise jumpsuit that exceeded its estimate by a wide margin. The auction celebrated Cilla Black’s lasting impact on stage and screen while demonstrating the public’s enduring affection for her wardrobe.
Key insight: A celebrity wardrobe can become a powerful fundraising vehicle, turning iconic costumes into meaningful charity support. Source: BBC News