Dame Barbara Windsor's 'Carry On Camping' bikini sells for £9,500 at auction
The bikini worn by the Dame Barbara Windsor in Carry On Camping has sold for £9,500 at auction.
The yellow swimsuit, which was part of was part of Kerry Taylor Auction’s Vintage, Antique Textiles & Passion for Fashion sale, was expected to fetch between £800 and £1,200.
Proceeds from the sale are being donated by the vendor to the Alzheimer's Society in memory of Dame Barbara, who died last December aged 83 following a diagnosis of Alzheimer's in 2014.
Read more: June Brown recalls final conversation with Barbara Windsor
The late actor wore the chartreuse cotton towelling bikini in a famous scene from the 1969 comedy film that saw the top fling off during an exercise class.
An image from the scene in Carry On Camping was included in the order of service for her funeral, accompanied by her quote: “That picture will follow me to the end.”
Watch: Dame Barbara Windsor laid to rest at funeral
The item was sold to an American buyer after a bidding war between telephone and online buyers.
Auctioneer Taylor said: “We have had so much interest in this bikini, from devoted fans of the Carry On films to people who simply love Barbara Windsor. During her long career, she was renowned for her down-to-earth nature, great sense of humour and superb acting ability.
“She was a true professional. It seems very apt that a bikini that caused her so much embarrassment during the filming will now go to such a good cause, as Barbara herself sadly suffered from this disease.”
Dame Barbara's husband Scott Mitchell said: "It’s a touching tribute to Barbara to think any item associated with that famous scene will raise money to help people living with Alzheimer’s.
Read more: Barbara Windsor's husband blasts Boris Johnson for 'breaking' dementia help vow
"I’d say it was fitting…but it flew off….so it wasn’t!”
The auction house said the film's wardrobe department would've commissioned duplicate bikinis to be made but this is the only example known to have survived.
With additional reporting by PA.
Watch: Dame Barbara Windsor remembered as 'triple threat' at funeral
