Artworks from Gielgud estate sold for $1.58 million (5307)

A collection of artworks and memorabilia from the Buckinghamshire, England, home of the late Sir John Gielgud was auctioned by Sotheby's in London for PS1.1 million ($1.58 million), according to Reuters. Collectors, actors, and director Sir Richard Attenborough were among the bidders on the items once belonging to the man regarded as one of Britain's greatest actors. The highest prices were bid on the extensive collection of oil paintings, with the top bid for Sir William Nicholson's 1917 oil The Little Lustre Mug, which went for PS102,500. A lot comprising Gielgud's personal effects--Panama hat, gloves, cigarette case--went for PS1,800. A copy of Shakespeare's Hamlet accompanied by a note reading "Bequeathed to me in his will by Laurence Olivier" went for PS25,800. Sir John Gielgud, who maintained a discreetly open gay lifestyle, died last May at the age of 96 and left instructions for the bulk of his estate to go to charitable causes he supported during his lifetime.