As a long-time cinephile and collector, I find myself captivated by these extraordinary artifacts of film history. Each item tells a story, a piece of Hollywood lore that has been passed down through generations of movie lovers.
Regardless of whether you’re more drawn to the glory days of Hollywood or legendary Broadway productions, historic sports moments or luxury watches, the upcoming winter 2024 auction season promises an abundance of elegance and allure, providing collectors with a unique opportunity to acquire genuinely museum-worthy items.
Before the year ends, numerous high-value items are going up for auction at five international auction houses. These include items like a Bob Mackie dress worn by Miley Cyrus at the Grammy Awards, watches belonging to Tom Brady, Humphrey Bogart’s Academy Award for Best Actor (1952, The African Queen), and more. Martin Nolan, co-founder and executive director of Julien’s Auctions based in Beverly Hills, remarks that there is a lot of anticipation in the auction world about these iconic items symbolizing glamour. Julien’s Auctions, in partnership with Turner Classic Movies, are hosting “A Week of Hollywood Legends” sale from Dec 10-13. The items on auction range from Bob Mackie’s designs and sketches for celebrities like Cher and Carol Burnett, to pieces from the estate of Sir Laurence Olivier and Dame Joan Plowright. Nolan further adds that these artifacts not only mark significant moments in film history but also encompass a wide range of cherished cinematic genres and eras, attracting various collectors, prestigious museums, and investors.
Edith Head’s career sketches, which showcase her costume designs, are becoming increasingly popular, not only among collectors but also for interior design. These sketches, though not created by the legendary designer herself, hold great appeal for fans of her work. As Peter Costanzo, a specialist at Doyle Auctions based in New York, puts it, “Edith Head sketches are highly sought after on the market – not just by Hollywood collectors, but also for display in closets, bedrooms, and bathrooms.” He adds that these sketches are beautiful and full of movement, with Grace Kelly designs often being particularly successful.
In Doyle’s upcoming Stage & Screen auction, you’ll find two sketches showcasing gown designs for the 1955 movie “To Catch a Thief,” which stars Kelly and Cary Grant in the classic Alfred Hitchcock film. These designs were not featured in the movie, but due to their estimated value of $5,000 to $8,000 each, they are expected to perform well, according to Costanzo. Moreover, during a Hollywood/Entertainment sale on December 7 by Heritage Auctions in Dallas, there will be no less than six sketches by Edith Head up for grabs – from her work on films such as “Rear Window” and “Sabrina,” both from 1954. This demonstrates the current demand for such items.
As a gamer, here’s a peek at ten eye-catching gaming collections that are generating quite the buzz. Whether I’m planning to showcase them at home, store them securely in a safe, or contribute them to a museum, these prized possessions are truly something special!
Grace Kelly Collection of Letters
Initially settling in New York City after leaving her hometown Philadelphia, the renowned actress resided at the Barbizon Hotel for Women, where she befriended Prudence “Prudy” Wise Kudner, who remained a lifelong companion. Throughout the subsequent years, these two women exchanged numerous letters, telegrams, photos, and various items, with Grace sending many of them to Kudner between 1948 and 1968. As Costanzo explains, this collection offers a remarkable insight into Kelly’s life, encompassing her early triumphs up until her time as Monaco’s princess. The letters from when she filmed Mogambo in Africa, for instance, are particularly noteworthy. Moreover, the correspondence details her numerous admirers, including her brief engagement to designer Oleg Cassini – a relationship that was previously unknown to biographers. This collection, part of Doyle’s Stage & Screen auction running till November 17, is valued between $60,000 and $80,000.
Jerry Herman Yamaha Grand Piano
Legendary Broadway composer and lyricist, Jerry Herman, who is renowned for creating hits like “Hello, Dolly!” and “Mame”, passed away in 2019. Now, a diverse range of items from his estate are up for auction at Doyle. Among these items is the Yamaha Model C7 grand piano that he owned since 1995. As Costanzo explains, this is an exciting addition because Herman has a dedicated fanbase. He would often brainstorm ideas and perform songs on this very piano during gatherings, as he enjoyed entertaining. The grand piano, being the largest one available, requires a significant commitment, but it’s clear that many interested parties are eager to own a piece of Jerry Herman’s legacy. Proceeds from the sale of the piano, along with approximately 100 other items from his estate, will be donated to the Jerry Herman Legacy Programs at the ASCAP Foundation, which supports music education through scholarships and various programs.
Elizabeth Taylor Cleopatra Costume
Propstore’s 4-day Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction, happening in London until November 17th, showcases costumes Elizabeth Taylor wore in the iconic 1963 film “Cleopatra”. This movie, directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, is one of the most notable films in her career. Known for its production challenges, including Taylor’s battle with pneumonia, it was also on this set where she met Richard Burton, who would later become her fifth and sixth husband. Although Taylor’s costumes from the film appear quite outdated today, the trio responsible for the film’s styling – Irene Sharaff, Renié Conley, and Vittorio Nino Novarese – won an Academy Award for best costume design, one of four Oscars among nine nominations. The costume worn by Taylor in this auction is from the end of the movie where Cleopatra cradles a dying Marc Antony (played by Burton). This piece is estimated to sell for approximately $12,700 to $25,400.
Marilyn Monroe Photograph by Bert Stern
Additionally, the Propstore event showcases a pigment print titled “Marilyn Monroe in Black Dior Dress,” captured by renowned photographer Bert Stern. This piece is part of a 1962 photo series called “The Last Sitting,” taken at the Bel Air Hotel, only six weeks before Monroe’s passing. Unlike her iconic “bombshell” images, this print exudes an air of elegance and introspection, offering a different perspective from her public persona. The framed print measures approximately 30.5 x 26.75 inches and is personally inscribed by Stern with both his signature and “Marilyn.” Even six decades after her death, Monroe continues to captivate film and pop-culture enthusiasts worldwide, with personalities like Kim Kardashian being prominent collectors of related items. The estimated auction price for this print ranges between $6,350 and $12,700 in US dollars.
Tom Brady-owned IWC Pilot’s Watch Top Gun Edition
Legendary NFL quarterback Tom Brady, who is now an analyst for Fox Sports and was inducted into the Hall of Fame, made headlines in early October by announcing that he would sell some personal items for the first time. This event, named “The GOAT collection: Watches & Treasures from Tom Brady,” will take place at Sotheby’s New York on December 10. From December 5 to 10, the public can view the items up for auction. Among these items are various football memorabilia such as the jersey he wore during the 40-yard dash at the 2000 NFL Combine and a helmet he used while playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In addition, Brady will sell some watches he has worn throughout his life. A watch collector, Brady is offering an IWC Pilot’s Watch Top Gun Edition for sale; this automatic chronograph features a 44.5mm black ceramic dial on an olive textile strap and was one of 1,500 produced from the 2020 limited release. The watch is expected to sell for between $5,000 and $10,000 at auction.
Tom Brady-owned Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “The Roast”
At the Brady auction, you’ll find 20 luxury timepieces from well-known brands like Rolex, Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet. The star of the show is a distinctive piece from Audemars Piguet, specially made for Tom Brady and showcased at The Roast of Tom Brady, which streamed live on Netflix in May. For an interview published in Sotheby’s magazine, Brady shared that Audemars Piguet CEO François-Henry Bennahmias contacted him unexpectedly one day, expressing his desire to create a unique watch as a collaboration between Brady and Michael Friedman, the brand’s designer. The end product is a Royal Oak made of 18-karat white gold, containing a flying tourbillon within a 41mm case, and boasting a salmon-colored dial. “Tom Brady” is inscribed using baguette-cut diamonds to mark the indices. This exclusive timepiece is valued between $400,000 and $800,000.
Edith Head Roman Holiday sketch
Alongside the pair of Grace Kelly sketches being offered at the Doyle auction, Julien’s will also present an Edith Head sketch in their December sale. This sketch showcases a design for a costume worn by Audrey Hepburn in her groundbreaking role from 1953’s Roman Holiday. In the movie’s final scene, Hepburn is depicted wearing the white daytime dress illustrated in this sketch, which Head personally inscribed and signed for the actress. Edith Head won an Oscar for Best Costume Design in a Black-and-White Film for Roman Holiday, while Audrey Hepburn took home the prize for Best Actress. This unique piece is expected to sell for between $6,000 and $8,000.
Miley Cyrus Performance-Worn Bob Mackie Dress
At the Grammy Awards in February, one of the most memorable moments was Miley Cyrus’s performance of “Flowers,” immediately following her win for Best Solo Pop Performance. This unexpected victory led Cyrus to improvise during the song, exclaiming, “I just won my first Grammy!” For this performance, Cyrus donned a costume designed by Bob Mackie in 2002 as part of a collection honoring Broadway musicals. The intricately beaded and fringed dress with a bared midriff was selected by her stylist, Bradley Kenneth. This outfit is one of many costumes and sketches by Mackie at the event, including designs for Cher, which are eagerly awaited as part of the sale. “These pieces embody the essence of Mackie’s daring, glamorous designs that shaped Cher’s image over the years,” says Nolan. The starting bid for Cyrus’s dress is set at $4,500, with an estimated selling price between $6,000 and $8,000.
Humphrey Bogart’s Academy Award for The African Queen
1951’s “The African Queen” performance by Humphrey Bogart as Charlie Allnut earned him his sole Academy Award. After over 70 years, this award is set to be auctioned off at the Heritage Auctions Hollywood/Entertainment sale on December 7 in Dallas. Since it was his only win out of three nominations, with the other two being for “Casablanca” (1942) and “The Caine Mutiny” (1954), film enthusiasts are hoping that this trophy will eventually reside, either permanently or temporarily, at the Academy Museum. Currently, the museum showcases Oscars won by Clark Gable and Sidney Poitier, among others. With a starting bid of $250,000, Bogart’s best actor award is one of the most anticipated items in the Heritage event.
Screen-matched Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz
The red slippers from the 1939 MGM production of “The Wizard of Oz,” directed by Victor Fleming, are undoubtedly the most renowned shoes in cinematic history, or perhaps even in all of history. Despite L. Frank Baum describing Dorothy Gale’s shoes as silver in his 1900 book “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,”, Louis B. Mayer, the studio head at MGM, decided that the shoes needed to be red for the film, as he wanted to highlight the Technicolor film process that was still relatively new. Adrian, the costume designer, then designed low-heeled pumps made of red silk faille and adorned with crimson sequins and small bows. It’s said that up to seven pairs were created for Judy Garland, the star of the movie. These iconic shoes were manufactured by the Innes Shoe Company, which was located at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Wilcox in Hollywood.
Here are four significant instances regarding the ruby slippers from ‘The Wizard of Oz’:
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2024-11-15 20:25