For our next fabulous TOP 10 list from the archive, David has chosen to "rank" items from one of the more recent additions to our collections, that of the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society (click the link to browse our online catalogue). This archive, lovingly collected by the Society, provides a unique insight into the legacy of legendary comedian, Tony Hancock (1924-1968) who was a household name during the 1950s & 60s. The collection spans a wide range of formats, including papers, photos, scripts, vinyl, VHS and artifacts. An absolute treasure trove of resources for anyone wanting to research the life and work of Tony Hancock, or, British comedy history more generally.
David says, 'It was hard to choose just 10 items for this list, so I may have cheated slightly by having multiple items for some entries... it's all just too good.'
10. Photograph book: Our first item is actually several items in one! A small photo book that features some of Hancock’s most famous stills (listed under PA on our catalogue). But its not just the well-known photos on offer. This collection contains hundreds of images of Hancock and his collaborators from a variety of projects and is well worth a look for any fan.
9. Boardgame: This item is a fun boardgame based around the legendary radio, and later TV, show Hancock’s Half Hour (broadcast from 1954 to 1961). Not many people can claim they have a boardgame based on them which goes to show how popular Hancock was in his time! The game has players running around East Cheam to complete a variety of tasks including buying a suit, getting an acting job and getting a haircut. If you use up your half hour you’re eliminated!
8. The Wrong Box Film Poster: This poster advertises Bryan Forbes’ film adaptation of the 1889 novel The Wrong Box by Robert Louis Stevenson and Lloyd Osbourne. A comedy, the film starred Tony Hancock as the detective. A beautiful example of some of the lovely artwork used for promoting film, it features caricatures of the characters in the movie with Hancock appearing in the bottom left. The poster offers a glimpse into the broader film and TV history preserved in the collection.
7. Scripts: It’s not just visual material in the collection that catches the eye, the collection of scripts can also turn the head of any Hancock fan. Not only are many of the scripts signed by those involved, but they also provide an interesting window into how the final product differs from the original script. Pictured are a selection of scripts from the collection that, once again, give just a hint of the wider material available to view.
6. Typewriter: An Olympia brand typewriter used by the comedy duo visionaries, Ray Galton (OBE) and Alan Simpson (OBE) while creating the scripts that made Britain laugh. Best known for their work with Hancock, this typewriter is such an integral piece of the Hancock story (as well as a fab piece of old tech) that I had to include it in the Top 10 list.
5. VHS tapes: You can’t have a complete Tony Hancock archive without having his best TV shows included. Thankfully, we have many copies in the collection in the form of VHS tapes with this set of ‘The Best of Hancock’ which covers some of his most beloved sketches. However, this is only a small part of the much larger collection of tapes available in the collection, which includes his movie performances and even a few projects from his collaborators and more recent comedians who admired his work.
4. Vinyl: If you can’t have a complete collection without his best shows then it stands to reason the same applies for his best radio shows as well! Thankfully, once again this collection delivers and contains a selection of vinyl and transcription discs containing hours of music, shows and more related to Hancock’s work. This extensive collection is now stored in archival packaging. The vinyl sport a variety of lovely covers and are as much a delight to look at as they are to listen to.
3. Radio Times magazines: One of my favourite items in the collection is the Radio Times magazines, on which I spent a lot of time repackaging and organising. Not only does this extensive collection of British radio/tv history provide an overview of Hancock’s broadcasts but it provides a unique insight into the tastes and culture of Britain throughout the 20th century. There are some great moments of history recorded within these pages, including the very first Eurovision broadcast in the UK, a translation of the poem ‘The Green Knight’ by J. R. R. Tolkien and, of course, plenty of appearances by Hancock himself. So if you’re a fan of Hancock or just interested in television history these are a great resource!
2. Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines film poster: I’ll admit this is a personal favourite, but Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines is one of those go-to Christmas films the whole family can enjoy. A 1965 British comedy film that satirises the early years of aviation, it features Tony Hancock as pilot, Harry Popperwell. When I saw the poster, featuring a movie still framed by playful cartoons, I knew it had to be included.
1. Hancock's Hat & Coat: It’s safe to say these iconic items deserve the number one spot. Tony Hancock’s hat and coat defined the silhouette that made him instantly recognisable, appearing in many of his most famous images. So synonymous with his image, it’s almost impossible to picture him without them. As one of the collection’s most prized pieces, they perfectly capture the essence of Hancock.
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