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A piece of Australian/UK television history is up for grabs, with Dementia Australia listing the famous Mrs Mangel portrait from long-running soap opera Neighbours in an online auction on eBay. And SMBtech just bid on it (see below).
The portrait, which first appeared on the show in the 1980s, was painted by the character Helen Daniels as an unflattering depiction of fellow Ramsay Street resident Mrs Mangel. It went on to become one of the most recognisable props in the series, remaining on set until the show’s final episodes.
The auction is open to both domestic and international bidders and will run until 9am AEST on Monday 4 May 2026. Bids can be placed at https://ebay.us/m/qsZduR. At the time of writing, it had four bids and was sitting at $810.
A Personal Connection To The Cause
The portrait was donated by actress Annie Jones, who played Mrs Mangel’s granddaughter Jane Harris on the show. Jones gave the piece to raise funds in honour of her mother, who lived with dementia.
“Supporting people living with dementia, their families and carers is something I care deeply about,” Jones explained.
“I also can’t wait to see the reactions from fans and see where this beloved painting ends up going.”
Dr Kaele Stokes, Executive Director Services, Engagement and Research at Dementia Australia, pointed to the cultural significance of the show and the opportunity the auction presents for fans.
“For many Australians and fans around the world, Neighbours was a part of daily life for decades,” Dr Stokes remarked.
“Now, fans can own a piece of the show’s history while helping to support families impacted by dementia, which is the leading cause of death in Australia.”
Dr Stokes also thanked Jones for her generosity in donating the portrait.
Neighbours Cast Rally Behind The Cause
Dementia Australia Ambassador and former Neighbours actor Takaya Honda, known for his role as Dr David Tanaka, has signed the portrait and is helping to promote the fundraiser.
“This brings together two parts of my life, my role on Neighbours and my work as an ambassador for Dementia Australia which I’ve been doing since 2017,” Honda commented.
“I look forward to seeing how much we can raise in support of people living with dementia, their families and carers.”
The portrait carries signatures from a long list of cast members, including Stefan Dennis (Paul Robinson), Alan Fletcher (Doctor Karl Kennedy), Jackie Woodburne (Susan Kennedy), Rebekah Elmaloglou (Terese Willis), Hannah Monson (Nicolette Stone) and several others.
What The Winning Bidder Gets
The framed portrait comes with a letter from Neighbours Producer Andrew Thompson confirming it is one of only two replica copies ever produced and the only copy signed by cast members. A separate authenticity letter from Annie Jones, who witnessed the signatories, is also included.
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The frame measures approximately 100cm high by 100cm wide by 7cm deep and weighs around 5.7 KG.
Shipping is available at a flat rate of $500 within Australia and $950 internationally via professional courier. Dementia Australia will coordinate delivery details directly with the winning bidder. International buyers should note they will be responsible for any duties or taxes that apply.
Where The Money Goes
All proceeds from the auction will go towards Dementia Australia’s support services and programs for people living with dementia, their families and carers.
Dementia Australia provides information, education and services for an estimated 433,300 Australians living with dementia and more than 1,700,000 people involved in their care.
Anyone with questions or concerns about dementia can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit dementia.org.au.
Thoughts from Author
I grew up in the UK in the 80s and 90s and to say Neighbours was massive would be an understatement. Jean Gray delivered the perfect heel turn as hateful busybody and pantomime villain, Mrs (Nell) Mangel, who, to this day among certain generations, is a byword for being a mean-and-bitter pearl-clutcher who just has to shit on everything.
More remarkably, once she left the show, she was missed. The Yin no longer had its Yang and the show’s eventual replacement hate-figure, Julie Martin (played by actress Julie Mullins) fell too far into nasty territory and to the point where Mullins was chased down the street by irate fans, in real life. Unfortunately, it appears Mullins was a victim of her own success and the abuse led her away from acting. (However, imdb says she appeared in a 2017 Neighbours Time Travelling episode which I now feel obliged to watch.)
The portrait in question was an iconic FU from the character (and super-kind grandma) Helen Daniels (the polar opposite of Mrs Mangel) and it was featured in the final episode many years later when long-term character and granddaughter, (Plain) Jane (Super Brain) Harris, (initially a contemporary of Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan) acknowledged that some of her inherited traits had manifested in later life.
Just seeing that portrait has brought back all kinds of nostalgias and, having had to deal with the horrific ravages of dementia over recent years, I’ve gone and bid on it, for it’s a worthy cause.
While many will want it to stay in the country and be displayed in Australia, I recommend the UK’s National Portrait Gallery seriously making it part of its collection to help bring new blood to its amazing, free gallery (off Trafalgar Square) in Central London.
Last Updated on April 27, 2026 by Nick Ross
