First glimpse of star-studded photograph collection being auctioned off by Pelsall man

Much-loved comedy duo Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise also feature in the unique set of about 50 images, many autographed, along with Hollywood legends like Telly Savalas, Bette Davis, Deborah Kerr and Robert Mitchum.

The collection was the result of 20 years work by George Ruff during his time as official photographer in first class aboard the Cunard cruise ship line.

His nephew, retired police officer Robert Vercesi, 72, from Pelsall, said the collection had until now only been seen by family members and had been kept in a drawer. But he said now he felt it was time to share the images.

He said his uncle built up a great rapport with the celebrities he photographed and shared stories about them. He said: “My uncle told me a lovely story about Deborah Kerr. Apparently, she was a delightful lady and, though she was a huge star, she took a liking to George.

“One day she took him to one side and said, ‘I’m having drinks in my suite at 8pm and I’d like you to come along’. When he knocked on her cabin door, she took him by the arm and introduced him to all her friends as ‘my friend George’.

“The stars liked my uncle because he was such a big character and full of stories. He’d been all over the world several times. He was in the Royal Military Police during the Second World War, helped to liberate a concentration camp and stayed on as an officer until 1947 to help capture Nazi war criminals.”

One image shows him having fun with Morecambe and Wise, and he also met singer Shirley Bassey, British comedy double act Flanagan and Allen, American singer Rose Murphy, English playwright and actor Noel Coward and Britain’ first teen idol Tommy Steele.

During a voyage aboard the RMS Queen Mary, Mr Ruff also shared drinks with Robert Mitchum and took his picture.

Mitchum, the star of Cape Fear, recounted the pair's revelries by autographing his photo with the message: "George - we may not last the trip!"

“He did have an amazing life,” said Mr Vercesi. “He was married to Marion, my mother Olive’s sister. Marion was a dancer. George and Marion were extras in Oh! What a Lovely War, a film directed by Richard Attenborough and shot in Brighton in 1969.

“George started his photography career by taking pictures of people on Brighton Pier. He loved working on the ships and in 1970 he asked if I’d be his assistant on the QE2. Apparently, the assistant he had couldn’t cope with getting up at 5am to process the pictures taken of guests the night before. But as I hadn’t been married long, I didn’t think going to sea would go down too well.”

Two of the images in the collection are of a relaxed Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton on holiday on the QE2, walking hand in hand in 1970.

“George took those pictures just as they were boarding the ship,” said Mr Vercesi. “Until now, the collection has only been seen among members of our family. They’ve been sitting in a drawer for 16 years. We thought it was time to share them. I hope a collector buys and treasures them.

“In the 70s, George left Cunard as they brought in another company to do the photography and, though they offered him a job, the terms were not as good. He went on to become a bailiff. We always said he was too nice to be a bailiff.”

The images, many in black and white and shot aboard the Queen Mary, RMS Mauretania and QE2, are due for auction on September 30.

Mr Ruff, who lived in Hove, East Sussex, had been in the Royal Military Police during the Second World War, staying on until 1947 to help capture Nazi war criminals. He died aged 79 in 1997, with his ashes scattered at sea.

Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: "This is an exceptional private collection of images featuring some of the most famous faces the world has ever known.

"The photos capture the sophistication of an era long gone. They are utterly fascinating."

The collection, with a "conservative estimate" of £350-£450, will go under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers, Etwall, Derbyshire.