The red silk brocade garment, worn by the comedy legend at Her Majesty’s Theatre, was bought on July 23 by illusionist David Copperfield at Tennants Auctioneers.
Mr Copperfield, who has won multiple Emmy awards, will add the piece to his International Museum and Library of the Conjuring Arts.Tommy Cooper’s final magic robe (Image: Newsquest/Tennants)
He said: “Tommy Cooper’s robe is an iconic piece of magic’s history which I am adding to the exhibit honouring him in my museum.”
The robe, made for the Welsh comedian’s 6ft 4in frame, was owned by magician Paul Daniels, who bought it at a Comic Heritage auction.
It was sold through Tim Reed Magic in 2003 to the previous owner.
The garment comes with a signed letter from Mr Daniels, confirming its authenticity.
On April 15, 1984, Cooper wore the robe and his trademark fez during a live performance at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London.
He was performing an act in which objects were passed by the show’s host, Jimmy Tarbuck, through an opening in the back of the garment, appearing as if by magic to the audience.
Tragically, Cooper suffered a heart attack during the act and was pronounced dead at Westminster Hospital.
Tommy Cooper, who lived from 1921 to 1984, was a British comedian and magician, who became an iconic figure in entertainment throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
He served in the Army during World War II, where he entertained his comrades with his comedic and magical talents.
Cooper became known for his magic tricks, which often went intentionally and hilariously wrong.
He remains one of Britain’s most legendary and fondly remembered entertainers of the era.
