Inman (1935-2007) is best known for roles as pantomime dames and as Mr Humphries in Are You Being Served? in the 1970s and 1980s. Although it is more than thirty years since the show ended, “I’m Free” the famous catchphrase of camp menswear shop assistant character Mr Humphries is still well known.
Inman, who appeared in over 40 pantomimes, died age 71 in 2007.
The lots offered at Special Auction Services (SAS) on February 19 in Newbury included outfits he had worn and posters and programmes of his shows.
Top lot of this portion of the Music & Entertainment sale was a collection of 50 posters and programmes including the film poster 'Are You Being Served' alongside Inman’s Dick Whittington costume and a portrait of the star. Estimated at £50-80, it sold at £5200 to a UK buyer on thesaleroom.com.
Around seven of the 17 lots from the Inman collection sold online via thesaleroom.com.
Another well-received lot was a collection of 10 framed and glazed pantomime posters that sold at £1100 against an estimate of £30-50.
The result helped the auction to double pre-sale expectations with sales reaching £100,052.
