Arctic fox fur stole owned and worn by a 1930s movie star, £200 at Hansons.
London-born Jessie Matthews (1907-81) rose to fame as an actress, dancer and singer in the 1920s-30s. She won fans in the US and even danced with Fred Astaire.
After a string of hit stage musicals and films she was nicknamed ‘The Dancing Divinity’ in the US. However, as her UK studio was reluctant to let go of its biggest name offers from Hollywood were repeatedly rejected.
Matthews’ 10ft long, 1938 satin-lined three-row white fox fur stole - a gift from her husband, English actor, screenwriter and director Sonny Hale - went under the hammer with a guide of £80-120, at Hansons’ (26% buyer’s premium) Derby Antiques and Collectors Auction from February 15-20. It sold for £200.
Aspirational purchase
Notty Hornblower, Hansons’ vintage clothing consultant and owner of Derbyshire’s Hope House Costume Museum, said: “This item was given to our vendor directly by Jessie’s daughter, Catherine.
“It epitomises the look and glamour of 1930s film stars. At that time, fur stoles and wraps were a mark of the elite and an aspirational purchase that women of all walks of life aspired to.”
