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Margot Fonteyn's signed ballet shoe to go under the hammer at Westenhanger Auctioneers

A single ballet shoe is estimated to sell for £2,000 when it's auctioned this weekend.

Westenhanger Auctioneers reached that amount for the shoe which was owned, worn and signed by Margot Fonteyn - arguably the most famous dancer of the 20th Century.

The ballet shoe, worn and signed by Margot Fonteyn, will be auctioned on Sunday. Picture: Westenhanger Auctioneers (19023652)
The ballet shoe, worn and signed by Margot Fonteyn, will be auctioned on Sunday. Picture: Westenhanger Auctioneers (19023652)

It is being sold on Sunday, October 13 amid a host of other interesting items including water clocks, antique maps and jewellery.

The pink ballet slipper, which is signed and dated 1978, was won at a charity auction and has remained within the family for many years.

Dame Margot Fonteyn, who died in 1991 aged 71, spent her whole life in the limelight and her appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show massively boosted the popularity of dance in the United States.

A 1946 performance of Tchaikovsky's The Sleeping Beauty saw her playing the lead role of Aurora in front of King George, The Queen Mother, Queen Mary, princesses Elizabeth and Margaret and then-Prime Minister Clement Attlee.

Having performed for the troops during World War One, she attracted a wide variety of fans over her career such as Mick Jagger, Marianne Faithfull and Diana, Princess of Wales.

Margot Fonteyn, who received a damehood in 1951, is one of the most highly celebrated dancers of the last century (19024117)
Margot Fonteyn, who received a damehood in 1951, is one of the most highly celebrated dancers of the last century (19024117)

Among her most impressive statistics is the 45 roles which she originated in the span of 50 years.

Bidding over the shoe will open at £900, with the auction house setting an estimate of £1,500 to £2,000.

For more information or to bid on the lot, click here.

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