The flute that accompanied The Beatles on their 1967 track “The Fool On The Hill” and played the “Nutcracker Suite” for the classic 1970s Cadbury's "fruit and nutcase" television commercials is to be sold at auction.
Owned by leading British flautist Jack Ellory until his death in 2009, the custom-made flute is expected to fetch between £10,000 and £20,000.
Highly in demand as a session musician, Ellory played on a wide range of classical and popular recordings during the post-war decades, as well as film soundtracks and live performances.
The flute features on soundtracks for many of the Sean Connery-period James Bond films, Pink Panther films, episodes of 1960s The Avengers and the film musical Oliver!
Ellory was principal flute player for composers Henry Mancini, John Barry, Ron Goodwin, and The Beatles’ producer George Martin.
In 1967, George Martin asked Ellory to play flute for the Paul McCartney-penned 'The Fool On The Hill', a track The Beatles recorded for their chart-topping Magical Mystery Tour project.
The flute also featured in numerous period advertisements, including the Cadbury's "fruit and nutcase" campaign, playing an excerpt from the 'Nutcracker Suite' while humourist Frank Muir sang.
Ellory worked extensively in film, playing on the 1960 top five hit 'Goodness Gracious Me', performed by comedian Peter Sellers.
Brian Ellory, Jack's son, said: "I inherited my father’s flute in 2009. It was in a bit of a state, held together by elastic bands, so I had it completely overhauled. I wanted to learn to play it but soon found I had no talent. I’m the last member of our family to know the story of the flute and my father’s career so it’s best I sell it rather than my children when I’m gone. I hope it goes to someone who can make music with it and who appreciates its incredible history."
Jamie South, an auctioneer from Gardiner Houlgate, said: "This is a remarkable instrument once owned by a remarkable musician. Jack Ellory’s career ranged right across the mid-20th century music world – from playing in orchestras conducted by Toscanini and Sir Thomas Beecham to recording some of the greatest musical moments in popular culture, including Sinatra and Bing Crosby."
The flute was made by Arthur Cooper, arguably the most famous British flute maker of the 20th century.
The flute will be sold on 12 June in Wiltshire.
