Jilly Cooper's Typewriter 'Monica 2' Could Fetch £15,000 at Auction 2026

Jilly Cooper's beloved typewriter, affectionately known as Monica 2, is set to go under the hammer at Christie's with a guide price of £10,000 to £15,000. The Olivetti Underwood Lettera 32, used to write her bestselling Rutshire chronicles, will be part of a live auction on 9 December titled Love and Lust: A Literary Guide.

The auction coincides with the return of Rivals, the Disney+ adaptation of Cooper's most famous novel, which has heightened interest in the author's work and personal artifacts. The typewriter, dating from around 1964, was found in Cooper's office at The Chantry, her home in Bisley, Gloucestershire, after her death in October last year at the age of 88.

Monica 2: The Typewriter Behind the Rutshire Chronicles

Cooper often referred to her typewriter as "Monica" in interviews, but the name was shorthand for a succession of trusted machines. Monica 2 came before another Monica, which Cooper bought at the Conservative party conference in 1982. The Olivetti Underwood Lettera 32 was a popular model among writers for its portability and reliability.

This particular typewriter holds significant sentimental value, as it was used to craft the scandal-filled stories that made Cooper a household name. The Rutshire chronicles, including Riders, Polo, and The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous, are celebrated for their racy plotlines and vivid characters.

Why the Auction Matters

The auction, Love and Lust: A Literary Guide, brings together roughly 30 books, manuscripts, letters, and cultural artifacts celebrating romance, desire, and storytelling across the centuries. Cooper's typewriter is a highlight, offering fans a tangible connection to her creative process.

Christie's decision to include the typewriter underscores the growing market for literary memorabilia. Items associated with beloved authors often fetch high prices, as collectors seek to own a piece of literary history.

The Legacy of Jilly Cooper

Jilly Cooper's career spanned decades, with her books selling millions of copies worldwide. Her witty, often provocative take on British upper-class life struck a chord with readers, and her work has been adapted for television, most notably Rivals.

The new series of Rivals has introduced Cooper's work to a new generation, and the auction provides an opportunity for fans to engage with her legacy. The typewriter is not just a machine but a symbol of her storytelling prowess.

What to Watch Next

As the auction date approaches, anticipation is building among collectors and fans alike. The final price could exceed the estimate, given the renewed interest in Cooper's work. The sale of Monica 2 will be a key moment in the celebration of her literary contributions. The background to this story is set out in Sporting Memorabilia Auction: Big Business for Collectors. A related thread runs through Franco Memorabilia Auction at Pazo de Meirás Sparks Controversy.

For those interested in celebrity memorabilia, this auction is a notable event. It also highlights the enduring appeal of physical objects in an increasingly digital world. Earlier coverage in Istanbul Travel Guide: Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Istanbul Travel Guide: Agatha Christie's Pera Palace & More.

Key Takeaways

• Jilly Cooper's typewriter, Monica 2, is expected to fetch £10,000-£15,000 at Christie's auction on 9 December.
• The Olivetti Underwood Lettera 32 was used to write Cooper's bestselling Rutshire chronicles.
• The auction, Love and Lust: A Literary Guide, features about 30 literary artifacts.
• The sale coincides with the return of the Disney+ series Rivals.
• Cooper passed away in October last year at the age of 88.

Comparing Literary Memorabilia Auctions

This table illustrates the range of prices for literary memorabilia, with Cooper's typewriter positioned at a more accessible level for collectors. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Istanbul Travel Guide: Agatha Christie's Hotels and Hidden Gems. The same theme surfaces in Istanbul Travel Guide: Agatha Christie's Pera Palace Hotel & More, which takes a different angle.

FAQ

What is Monica 2?

Monica 2 is the nickname Jilly Cooper gave to her Olivetti Underwood Lettera 32 typewriter, which she used to write her Rutshire chronicles. It dates from around 1964 and was found in her office after her death.

When is the auction for Jilly Cooper's typewriter?

The auction is scheduled for 9 December at Christie's, as part of the Love and Lust: A Literary Guide sale.

How much is the typewriter expected to fetch?

The guide price is £10,000 to £15,000, though final bids could exceed this given the renewed interest from the Rivals TV series.

Why is the typewriter significant?

It was used by Jilly Cooper to write her bestselling novels, making it a tangible piece of literary history and a symbol of her creative process.

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The sale of Jilly Cooper's typewriter is a reminder of the enduring fascination with authors' personal items. As the literary world continues to celebrate her contributions, this auction offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of her legacy.

For those intrigued by the quirks of famous pets, another story involves Dennis the Terrier, the pet who farted on Jilly Cooper's sofa, which adds a touch of humor to her celebrity lore. Meanwhile, in the world of illustration, the recent passing of Terry Denton, beloved Treehouse illustrator, dies at 76 reminds us of the lasting impact of creative minds.

Cooper's typewriter, like Denton's illustrations, represents the tangible output of artistic labor. As collectors bid on Monica 2, they are not just acquiring an object but a slice of cultural history.