Stephen Smith on our fascination with the belongings of the rich and famous... or infamous.

'Years ago, after the fall of the Romanian dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu,' writes Stephen, 'I entered his by now ransacked hunting lodge and made off with the late president's ....coat hanger. That's right: Ceausescu's coat hanger.'

As the possessions of the altogether more savoury personality, Freddie Mercury, go on show next week before they are auctioned, Stephen ponders why we aspire to have and to hold something which belonged to a notable figure.

Producer: Adele Armstrong Sound: Peter Bosher Production Coordinator: Sabine Schereck Editor: Bridget Harney