The Match

Not that owning the copyright to their fathers’ work is of great importance to either of his children. "My father never exercised that (copy) right on any of his photos," said Dante. "Now all his work is in the public domain and there is sufficient evidence this was always my father's position in life ... As his family we can only be proud that his work is now so widely appreciated."

It was a packed Gloucestershire saleroom that greeted the auction of the Korda photographs in May of this year. Interest in lot 815, Juego de Golf (Game of Golf), Club de Golf de la Habana, had been particularly strong during the viewing days and a high auction price was expected.

"What makes these photos interesting is that both Castro and Guevara are smiling at their inability to play the game with any degree of skill," said Graham Rowley, a golf memorabilia expert. "I also like the fact they are surrounded by Cuban peasants who appear totally bemused at what they are watching. This also adds value to the images."

With various news media covering the sale of the Korda images, Dominic Winter Auction House had done a good job in publicity terms: "We have had enquires from many different countries," said Chris Albury at the time. "I only hope that translates into a high price for all concerned."

Neither he nor Norka Korda would be disappointed. The golf-related images were purchased by a private collector at the high end of the pre-sale estimate of £2,500-3,500 (approximately HK$28,850-40,350), while the total archive realised £33,000 (HK$380,000) including buyers' premium.

The only question now is whether 86 year-old Fidel Castro, still alive and living in Cuba, would want his cut?