Iconic items from Stanley Kubrick’s films, like the “Star Child” prop from 2001: A Space Odyssey and the axe Jack Nicholson wielded in The Shining, will hit the auction block in 2027.
On Thursday, auction house Bonhams announced they had acquired “The
Stanley Kubrick Collection,” featuring both props from the legendary director’s films as well as personal items from the Kubrick estate.
A exhibit previewing some of the items will head to Bonhams New York on October 16 before heading to the auction house’s Los Angeles and Paris outposts before ultimately landing at Bonhams London, where the auction will begin February 3.
Among the most notable props heading to auction include 2001’s “Star Child” prop, which has a pre-auction estimate of $775,000 to around $1 million, and the axe Nicholson’s Jack Torrence used to kill Scatman Crothers’ Dick Hallorann in The Shining, with that prop weapon carrying a $65,000 estimate; a different axe was used in the infamous “Here’s Johnny” sequence.
Other highlights include a “Secret Society Orgy Cloak” and “Mysterious Women’s Feathered Venetian Mask” from Eyes Wide Shut, production clappers and slates from various Kubrick films, the Grady sisters’ production-used dresses from The Shining, Kubrick’s heavily annotated Lolita script, and much more.
On the personal front — Kubrick’s estate and film archives is involved in the auction — the filmmaker’s director’s chair, Venice Film Festival Golden Lion lifetime achievement award, viewfinder, chess set and more will also be available.
“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,” Stanley’s stepdaughter Katharina Kubrick said in a statement.
“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.”
“Few people have had as much of an overwhelming impact on visual culture as Stanley Kubrick. His films provide such a striking assortment of distinctive images, that you never forget your first time watching them,” Claire Tole-Moir, Head of the Popular Culture at Bonhams, added. “His precise, bold style and technical mastery is so distinctive that the word ‘Kubrickian’ even entered the English dictionary. 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.”
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