Darren Julien, founder of U.S.-based Julien's
Auctions, said activity including bidder registrations, bids and
catalogue orders was ten times the normal level ahead of two
auctions due to take place in April.
Some of that demand was coming from Italy and Spain, he said.
"When Italy shut down early last week, we've noticed a spike of
Italians registering to bid and buying catalogues," Julien told
Reuters in London on Monday.
"People are looking for a reason to be happy and excited and get
out of the routine of being locked up in their homes."
Tens of millions of Europeans are in lockdown, as governments
try to stop the spread of the coronavirus which has killed more
than 6,500 people worldwide.
Julien added that pop memorabilia might be seen by some as an
attractive alternative investment while stocks, oil and other
markets tumble.
"We noticed when the stock market crashed in 2008, we had a
record years in 2008 and 2009, and that was because people with
wealth were looking for ways to diversify," he said.
Among the items for sale next month are McCartney's notes for a
1968 recording of "Hey Jude", valued at 180,000 pounds
($220,000), and a baseball signed by all four members of the
Beatles.
In a separate sale, bidders can also buy Day's four Golden Globe
awards, her piano and a collection of gowns.
(Reporting by Sarah Mills, writing by Sarah Young; Editing by
Mike Collett-White)
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