Fans will have a chance to bid on Melbourne’s – and indeed Australia’s – classical music history this month, with a collection of autographs from the iconic and well-loved Thomas’ Music going under the hammer. The store, which closed down in March this year, was a hub for classical music fans and performers alike, with a back wall of ceiling tiles signed by the many artists who had passed through its doors over the years.

The collection – over 200 autographs – includes signatures by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Dame Joan Sutherland, Elisabeth Schwartzkopf, Victoria de Los Angeles, conductors Arthur Fiedler and Neville Marriner as well as artists such as Elvis Costello, Nana Mouskouri, Adam Ant, and John Clarke – even Andre Rieu.

Thomas' MusicThomas’ Music. Photo supplied

“The autographs started during the 50s, originally on the ceiling tiles of the store at the corner of Bourke and Exhibition Streets,” Thomas’ managing director Elisabeth Vodicka tells Limelight. “It quickly grew into a vital record of celebrated artists who visited the store over the subsequent 60 years. Although often we’d be so enamoured of whoever it was, we would forget to ask for their signature!”

“I...