Milligan family opposes memorabilia sale

LONDON, Nov. 22 (UPI) -- The four children of Spike Milligan say they are upset they were not contacted regarding an upcoming sale of the late British comedian's belongings.

Milligan's daughter, Sile, said none of his four children were told about the Bonhams memorabilia sale that will include a grand piano and other items that once belonged to the "The Goon Show" co-creator, The Times of London reported Saturday.

Milligan's widow, Shelagh Sinclair, donated the memorabilia for next Tuesday's auction in London after running out of room to store the items.

The Financial Times reported Sinclair had stored the 100-item auction collection in a warehouse since 2006 and most had never been displayed to the general public.

Among the items placed into storage four years after Milligan's death were two leather-bound collections of writings and drawings from such notable names as singer Paul McCartney, actor Michael Caine and guitarist Bill Wyman.

The financial publication said other key items up for auction include the comedian's Olivetti typewriter, his wartime diaries and a number of Milligan's trademark clothing items.