London’s Victoria and Albert Museum has acquired the archive of Tommy Cooper – the British comedian known for catchphrases such as “just like that!”The V&A now has more than 116 boxes of Cooper’s collection, along with 24 props and posters. Cooper (1921-1984) scrupulously organized his life and jokes, even though his stage persona, was that a shambolic magician fond of phrases like “you’ve got to laugh.”The V&A already has material of other figures in British comedy including Ronnie Barker, Tony Hancock, Dame Edna Everage and Morecambe and Wise.The collection also shows Cooper’s potential, some unfulfilled after his heart attack death during a live TV performance. His “Gag File” is an alphabetical collection of thousands of his jokes, which he was constantly adding to. Only a small proportion was used. Other notes for the file, yet to be used, were jotted down on backs of posters and packet cardboard. There are also contracts from 1946 to 1984 – including those he could not fulfil following his passing.A selection will go on show in the V&A later this year- though it does not include his trademark fez hat.Cooper, once described by critic Kenneth Tynan as Britain’s “best new clown,” appeared in three Royal Variety shows as one of most impersonated, best-loved and highest-paid entertainer of his time.
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