Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.
Already a member?
Log in
Items from Stanley Kubrick’s personal archive are to go under the hammer for the first time next year.
The sale, at auction house Bonhams, includes the axe used by Jack Nicholson as he delivered the famous line “Here’s Johnny!” in the 1980 horror film The Shining.
The axe, wielded by Nicholson’s character Jack Torrance, is estimated to sell for £30,000 to £50,000.
In the film, Jack slammed the axe through a bathroom door as he attempted to murder his wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall) after losing his mind while staying at the Overlook Hotel.
Kubrick, considered one of the greatest film-makers of all time, is known for works including 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), A Clockwork Orange (1971) and Eyes Wide Shut (1999).
The most valuable lot on offer is the Star Child prop from 2001: A Space Odyssey, which is expected to fetch between £600,000 and £800,000.
The Star Child appears as a glowing foetus in the final scene of the 1968 science fiction epic.
Also going under the hammer is Kubrick’s annotated copy of the film story treatment of Journey Beyond The Stars, the original working title of 2001: A Space Odyssey, estimated to sell for between £30,000 and £50,000.
The director’s annotated script for Lolita (1962) is expected to fetch between £40,000 and £60,000. His annotated script for Spartacus (1960) is expected to sell for £20,000 to £40,000.
The blue dresses worn by the Grady sisters from The Shining are expected to fetch between £40,000 and £60,000.
A clapperboard used on the set of The Shining is estimated to sell for £10,000 to £15,000.
The “Born To Kill” helmet from Full Metal Jacket (1987) carries the same estimate.
Kubrick’s Taylor-Hobson Cooke Speed Panchro Director’s viewfinder, an optical tool used by cinematographers and bearing his initials “SK”, is also expected to sell for between £10,000 and £15,000.
His director’s chair could fetch between £8,000 and £12,000.
A cloak used in Eyes Wide Shut could fetch between £3,000 and £5,000.
Kubrick’s stepdaughter Katharina Kubrick said: “I believe Stanley is one of the few film directors whose life and movies continue to be extensively studied and revered, influencing, encouraging and inspiring current and new generations of movie-makers.
“Like all great artists he wasn’t afraid to ‘push the envelope’ to achieve his uncompromising vision in his quest to make beautiful, thought-provoking films.
“His movies have stood the test of time and will continue to be relevant to our shared humanity as long as people love the art of great cinema.
“We are proud to be able to share with you some of the items from this unique collection, which we hope will find new homes and be cherished until it is time to pass them on to the next generation of film lovers.”
Claire Tole-Moir, head of popular culture at Bonhams, said: “A true visionary, Kubrick’s incredible influence cannot be overstated, and Bonhams is delighted to be able to bring his collection to auction.
“This is a landmark moment to get closer to some of the most iconic films ever made, explore Kubrick’s creative process and get to know more of the man behind the camera.”
The sale will be preceded by a free public exhibition of the full sale at Bonhams New Bond Street, London between 18 January and 3 February.
The auction will take place on 3 February, with an online auction ending on 4 February at 12pm.
