Museum buys Wallis Simpson’s nightie for �5,000

Cash has gone to worthy cause - a children’s charity set up in memory of the late Dodi al Fayed.

ALLHALLOWS Museum in Honiton has secured the purchase of a nightdress worn by Wallis Simpson - for �5,000, plus commission.

The museum’s trustees successfully bid for the stunning full-length gown, featuring Victorian Honiton Lace, at an auction in London last Thursday.

Mohamed al Fayed, former owner of top London department store Harrods, sold the nightie to raise cash for a children’s charity set up in memory of his late son, Dodi.

“The money has gone to a good cause,” said Pat Perryman, chairman of the museum’s trustees.

Mrs Perryman, who said Mr al Fayed was welcome to visit the museum at any time to see the nightie, revealed the garment will go on display with a backdrop that will really show it off.

She told The Midweek Herald that the nightie fetched what the trustees thought it would and that “it was what we were prepared to pay”.