Sydney collector Paddy MacDonald approached Albury Council about the exhibition idea, and it will be the first time items from his collection will be on show in Australia.

There are a range of events happening to complement the showing and  663 look-alikes are needed in order to break the world record set only last year in Switzerland, where Chaplin died in 1977.

The attempt will take place at QEII Square on October 13, and Albury LibraryMuseum Curator Emma Williams explained it was important participants register and adhere to guidelines.

“There’s a number of uniform requirements; they need a bowler hat; a white shirt; the moustache must not be drawn on and it has to be clear the person has dark hair under the hat,” she said.

“We wanted to do something fun to highlight the exhibition.”

Ms Williams said hundreds of items would be on display at the LibraryMuseum, including photos and memorabilia, from as far as Cuba and England. 

“It’s material that celebrates this pop culture icon that over a couple years went from being an incredibly poor boy growing up in South London to one of the most recognisable people on the planet in this space,” she said.

“(MacDonald) is a passionate collector, and has amassed these items over many decades.”

The exhibition will be launched on Friday, September 21 and there will be opportunities to meet the curator and collector.

For more information and to register for the world record attempt, go to: alburycity.nsw.gov.au/charlie.