Joseph Locke effects part of Usher Auctions’ sale
Usher Auctions is holding its next sale on December 2, which will contain the effects of 'The Singing Bobby' Josef Locke.
Locke was born Joseph McLaughlin in Derry City on March 23, 1918, one of 10 children from a musical family. At the age of 16, he enlisted in the Irish Guards, serving in Egypt, and shortly after was promoted to sergeant. He sang with the regimental band, whose BBC concerts were his earliest broadcasts.
In 1938 he returned to Northern Ireland and joined the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), where he soon earned the name ‘The Singing Bobby’ for his extraordinary vocal range. With travel restrictions during the second World War, opportunities for auditions became difficult outside of Ireland.
Locke successfully auditioned in Belfast around 1941 for the visiting entertainer and producer Jimmy O'Dea. He played Gaylord in ‘Showboat’ at the Gaiety Theatre and sang at the Theatre Royal, both Dublin venues owned by Louis and Max Elliman. The wartime absence of foreign artists placed Irish names in higher demand. He was critically acclaimed for his Dublin Grand Opera Society performances, first as Pinkerton in Puccini's ‘Madama Butterfly’ and as Enzo Grimaldi in Ponchielli's ‘La Gioconda’ at the Gaiety.
Meanwhile, this latest bumper auction will comprise 1,200 lots that will include quality antiques and collectibles from several house clearances plus jewellery from a local jewellers. The effects of Josef Locke will comprise his piano, awards, artwork, clocks, furniture, etc.
As well as all that, the auction also includes a selection of garden furniture and planters; carpets and rugs; antiquarian Irish interest books; Waterford glassware; an exceptional quality Strahan made Rosewood cabinet; an Irish carved mahogany fusee wall clock; club fender; dinner and tea sets; canteens of cutlery; mirrors; lamps; taxidermy; bookcases; wardrobes; artwork; and antique and collectible items. Viewing is highly recommended for what will be the company’s final auction of the year.
Viewing takes place on Thursday, November 28 from 10am - 5pm; Friday, November 29 from 10am - 5pm; Saturday, November 30 from 12pm - 5pm; Sunday, December 1 from 2pm - 6pm; and Monday, December 2 from 10am - 4pm.