Jazz collection with programmes signed by Louis Armstrong, George Melly and Big Bill Broonzy goes to auction in Lichfield

Sale date Monday 11th May

ALL tuned up to go under the hammer at The Lichfield Auction Centre is a big collection of jazz memorabilia from the 1950s to the 1970s .

Including signed and unsigned programmes from performances at Birmingham Town Hall and Birmingham Hippodrome, vintage books and magazines, the collection goes to auction as Lot 777 on Monday, May 11.

Highlights include:

• An autographed Louis Armstrong and His All-Stars British Tour 1956 programme, the cover signed 'Satchmo, Louis Armstrong' and signed inside by Velma Middleton
• George Lewis New Orleans Jazz Band programme signed by Kid Howard, George Lewis, Joe Watkins, Jim Robinson and Alcide Pavageau
• Transatlantic Jazz programme signed in pencil to the cover by blues legend Big Bill Broonzy, and inside by Mick Mulligan, George Melly, Sandy Brown and John R T Davies
• 1955 programme from The Birmingham JNF Auxiliary Committee 'A Grand Jazz Concert', the cover signed by George Melly, with centre pages including signatures by Mick Mulligan, members of his band, and the Merseysippi Jazz Band
• A signed Lonnie Donegan souvenir programme.

There's also a signed Stan Kenton programme; Lionel Hampton programme signed to the front cover; Birmingham Town Hall Jazz Concert 1955 programme signed by Freddy Randall, Harry Smith, Betty Smith, Al Gay, Denis Croker, Jack Peberdy and Stan Bourke; and Birmingham Hippodrome programme signed by Harry Secombe.

Vintage jazz related books include the history of jazz and assorted biographies, and a large quantity of assorted magazines include Jazz Beat, Storyville, Jazz Monthly and Jazz Journal with issues from the 1950s to 1970s.

The collection features as Lot 777 in Richard Winterton Auctioneers’ Antique & Home Sale on May 11, starting at 9am.

On the day of the auction, people can bid online, in the room or by prior arranged telephone bid.

Browse the full catalogue online now and view in person at The Lichfield Auction Centre between 10am and 4pm on Friday, May 8.

For more information, to arrange a free valuation of all types of collectables or to enquire about a home visit for large collections or house clearances, email office@richardwinterton.co.uk or call 01543 251081.