Big Sleuth bears snapped up
Two bears that were included in Birmingham's popular Big Sleuth trail have have been snapped up at auction by a Wolverhampton businessman.
The well-known Peaky Blinders bear and the Sherlock Holmes-inspired Bearlock bear were sold at a special auction of the colourful sculptures on Thursday.
Potential bidders packed out Millennium Point to have a chance at winning one of the creations which said their farewell to the city last week.
Peaky Blinders bear was secured for a staggering £5,900 whilst Bearlock was won for £3,100.
Jamie Wilkes, aged 53 of Shareshill, who runs at Wolverhampton glass recycling firm, JME Glass, successfully bid for the bears on the night.
He said: "I hadn't actually visited the trail itself, but I first saw the bears on the Aston Expressway and then I spotted the Peaky Blinders bear when I went for a meal at the Mailbox.
"I thought how wonderful it was. I know it will increase in value and thought it would be a great company mascot in our offices.
"The Sherlock Holmes bear, well, the colours and finish is so beautiful, I have a perfect spot in my garden for it."
Though not a huge Peaky Blinders fan, Mr Wilkes' son Thomas, who works for the family business, has now given him the DVD box set to catch up on the programme before the new series launches.
Speaking of the auction, Mr Wilkes added: "It was a great atmosphere on the night and so important to raise money for Birmingham Children's Hospital.
"It's great to know that the money has gone to such a good cause."
Following the auction, the bears were packaged up before being picked up by Mr Wilkes yesterday where they later installed in the offices on Neachells Lane, Willenhall and in Mr Wilkes' garden in Shareshill.
Overall, the auction raised more than £257,000 for the children's hospital, with the total figure yet to be confirmed.
night.
The highest sellers came in at £9,000 for Buzz Bear, created by Julia Allum, and Peony Passion at £8,000, created by Michelle Turton.
