Sir Ralph Richardson's art collection is for sale

Sir John died last May, aged 96, and the contents of his Buckinghamshire home, South Pavilion, are being auctioned on 5 April at the instructions of the executors of his estate.

As well as artwork and antiques, there is memorabilia from his 79-year career, including a copy of Hamlet with the note, "bequeathed to me in his will by Laurence Olivier".

Theatre charities

Among the more personal items is a lot featuring Sir John's famous panama hat, gloves and cigarette case, which is expected to sell for between �500 and �700.

The paintings in his collection range from old masters to modern British. It includes work by Mario Nuzzi and Christopher Wood.

Sir John's friend and contemporary, Sir Ralph, died in 1983 at the age of 80.

The auction of paintings, furniture, works of art and memorabilia follows the death of his wife, actress Meriel Forbes, last year, aged 86.

The couple were ardent art collectors and the sale on 27 April will raise funds for The Ralph and Meriel Richardson Foundation, set up by Lady Richardson in her will to benefit theatrical charities.

As well as works of art worth thousands of pounds, there are more affordable items which recall his long association with the theatre.

They include the Film Weekly award, presented to Sir Ralph in 1938 for his performance in South Riding, which is expected to fetch between �1,000 to �1,400.

Included in the art collection are a Roman bronze figure from the 1st Century and several works by the artist Sir William Nicholson.