Sid James celebrity print 1972

Summary

This concrete handprint was formerly located as a part of the iconic McEwans celebrity pavement. Between 1972 and 1994, scores of celebrities had their handprints and footprints immortalised in cement at the entrance to the McEwans hardware store on Bourke Street. The City of Melbourne Art and Heritage Collection acquired a number of these impressed concrete slabs from the original celebrity pavement in 2005.

"Sid James (1913-1976) was a star of British comedy, especially the 'Carry On…' franchise, in which he appeared in 19 films. James was in Melbourne in 1972 as star of ‘The Mating Season’ at the Comedy Theatre. James would suffer a fatal heart attack on stage in 1976, while touring England with the same play." - Robyn Annear, 2023