Mrs Mangel’s infamous Neighbours portrait has sold after more than 100 bids, raising funds for Dementia Australia. Picture: Dementia Australia
Mrs Mangel’s infamous Neighbours portrait has sold for $19,500 after a global bidding war for the rare piece of Aussie TV history.
The famous Ramsay Street artwork, donated by Neighbours star Annie Jones in honour of her mother who lived with dementia, attracted 104 bids across a seven-day Dementia Australia auction.
The winning bid came from a UK buyer, with fans from the UK, US, Singapore, Italy, Denmark and Australia all taking part.
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Mrs Mangel (played by the late Vivean Gray) was the resident busybody on iconic Aussie soapie Neighbours.
Dementia Australia chief executive Professor Tanya Buchanan said the response had shown the extraordinary global affection for Mrs Mangel, played by the late Vivean Gray.
“We knew Neighbours was popular with fans across the world, but it’s been incredible seeing the reaction to the auction and the bids coming from so many different countries,” Professor Buchanan said.
“The success of the past week has shown how beloved Vivean Gray and the character of Mrs Mangel are to Neighbours fans.
Former Neighbours star Annie Jones has donated the iconic Mrs Mangel portrait in honour of her mum, with proceeds to support Australians living with dementia.
“We’re sure the writers and Vivean Gray would be proud of their legacy and the impact the portrait is having 40 years on from when it first appeared in 1987.”
The portrait became a fan favourite after Helen Daniels painted the unflattering picture of Ramsay Street battleaxe Mrs Mangel in the 1980s.
It later lived on as one of the show’s most memorable set pieces.
The famous Mrs Mangel portrait, signed by Neighbours cast members, is one of only two replica copies and the only version signed by the stars.
Professor Buchanan thanked Jones, who played Mrs Mangel’s granddaughter Jane Harris, for donating the piece.
“We’d like to thank Neighbours actor Annie Jones again for donating the piece in honour of her mum who lived with dementia, and our Dementia Australia ambassador Takaya Honda for his support on this fundraising campaign,” she said.
“We’d also like to thank the successful bidder for their generous support, everyone who bid on the portrait and supported the campaign in any way to help us raise money which will go towards supporting families living with dementia; the leading cause of death in Australia.”
Dementia Australia ambassador and former Neighbours actor Takaya Honda has backed the auction, calling it a powerful way to support families impacted by dementia. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images
Jones previously said supporting people living with dementia, their families and carers was something she cared deeply about.
“I also can’t wait to see the reactions from fans and see where this beloved painting ends up going,” Jones said.
The framed portrait is one of only two replica copies produced and the only version signed by cast members.
It includes a letter from Neighbours producer Andrew Thompson confirming its provenance, alongside an authenticity letter from Jones, who witnessed the signatures.
Lorraine Rushton and her son Devon at their Ramsay Street home in 2021, after 30 years at the iconic Neighbours filming location. Picture: Jake Nowakowski
The piece was signed by cast members including Stefan Dennis, Jackie Woodburne, Alan Fletcher, Rebekah Elmaloglou, Jones and Honda.
The sale adds another chapter to the long-running fascination with Ramsay Street, filmed at Pin Oak Court in Vermont South.
In 2021, the 4-bedroom house at 1 Pin Oak Crt known to viewers as the home of Jarrod “Toadfish” Rebecchi and Mrs Mangel, was listed for sale for the first time in 30 years with a $1.3m-$1.43m price guide.
WWE star Dave Bautista made a surprise cameo on Neighbours in 2009, appearing alongside Toadie and Callum, with the show later ending in 2025. Picture: Channel 10
Its former owner Lorraine Rushton said at the time she was “really emotional” about parting ways with the one-time on-screen home of Toadie and Mrs Mangel.
“I hope a real Neighbours fan buys it,” she said.
While fans have missed out on the portrait, Dementia Australia said people could still donate at dementia.org.au.
Proceeds from the auction will go towards Dementia Australia’s support services and programs for people living with dementia, their families and carers.
If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au.
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