A collage created by the man who murdered playwright Joe Orton, which found its way into the hands of a Clayhall woman, is to be sold at auction.

Orton was just 34 when he was bludgeoned to death by his jealous lover Kenneth Halliwell at their home in Islington in 1967.

They both served time in prison for cutting up library book covers from which some collages may have been made.

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As well as being an actor Halliwell, who committed suicide after the murder, was also an artist.

Fifteen years ago, Iris Anderson, who used to run Backtrax in the old Pioneer Market in Ilford, bought the collage while on a call buying records for the shop.

She is now selling the collage after appearing on BBC TV show Flog It, and intends to use the money raised on modernising the bungalow she is about to move in to.

Mrs Anderson, of Caterham Avenue, said: “They got very excited when I showed it to them – they treated me like royalty.

“There was lots of interest in it and they put a reserve of £100 to a £1,200 on it – although they said it should fetch a lot more.

Mrs Anderson originally picked up the collage for £100.

She said: “That was 15 years ago and I knew it would go up in value because of the notoriety. There’s is something about it, but it’s just so depressing.

Eyes staring and staircases that don’t go anywhere – I’ve never had it up on the wall.

“Plus it’s signed and dated 1966, just a few months before the murder.

“I just hope the right people come to the auction”

• The collage will be sold at Stacey’s auction house, Rayleigh, Essex on August 20. For more information call 01268 777 122.