Memorable props which have graced popular films have been generously donated by Supporters of The British Academy of Film and Television Arts to raise funds for the charity and will be sold as part of the Rock n Roll & Film Memorabilia sale at Bonhams Auctioneers in Knightsbridge on Wednesday 16 November 2005.
Jon Baddeley, Director of Collectables at Bonhams comments: We are delighted to be working closely with the British Academy of Film and Television to raise funds to go towards upgrading their facilities and expanding their educational events. The 16th of November sale gives film fans a unique opportunity to acquire props from current productions that could well be iconic collectors items of the future. I look forward to a very exciting auction".
Highlights include: The original maquette for the famous cartoon character, “Bob the Builder” – estimated at £6,000 – 10,000. Bob the Builder began life as a stop-motion animated children’s TV programme about the adventures of a construction contractor and his friends. It starred Bob, voiced by Neil Morrissey, his colleague Wendy, and various neighbours and friends, and their gang of anthropomorphised work-vehicles and equipment. In each episode they help with renovations, construction, and repairs, and with other projects as needed. This maquette, the original concept for Bob, was presented to Peter Orton, the originator of the character, by his colleagues at HIT Entertainment. Bob’s catchphrase "Can we fix it? Yes, we can!" is also the title of the show’s theme song; the song became a Christmas No. 1 in the single charts in 2000.
Props from films in 2005 include: Christian Bale’s Batman black latex cowl from Batman Begins Accompanied with the certificate of authenticity from Warner Bros. Corporate Archive, this prop is estimated at £2,000-3,000. A leather bracelet mounted with mother-of-pearl buttons and a deer fur cape from The New World is estimated at £300-400 while a shaped wood and canvas shield, a sword and scabbard from a Kingdom of Heaven with a 20th Century Fox certificate of authenticity will be sold at £300-500.
Offering an insight into scripted drama due to be released on the 9th November 2005. The drama unravels a plot of the explorer John Smith and the clash between Native Americans and English settlers in the 17th century. Directed by Terrence Malick, the film features an impressive cast: Colin Farrell, Christian Bale, Q’Orianka Kilcher, Christopher Plummer and August Schellenberg.
Props from films in 2004 include: an orange sweatshirt worn by Kate Winslet, a stethoscope used by Tom Wilkinson and a snowglobe and an outsize bar of soap and sponge from the oversized kitchen scene (£300-400) from Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind. Paul Bettany’s tennis racket from Wimbledon (£250-350) and an Aviator poster signed by Martin Scorcese, Leonardo Dicaprio, Cate Blanchette and Kate Beckinsale will also be sold.
Props from films in 2001 include Planet of the Apes – a painted cast metal knife, fork and spoon set, together with certificate of authenticity from 20th Century Fox and numbered 2005-001, estimated at £600-900.
Jac k Cardiff’s "Spectra" 1950’s mounted exposure meter with calibrated dial in it’s original carrying case lettered "Jack Cardiff" together with a colour print of Marilyn Monroe by Jack Cardiff is estimated at £1,000-1,500. The career of celebrated British cinematographer and director Jack Cardiff spanned nine decades and included film classics such as The Red Shoes, Black Narcissus and Girl on a Motorcycle. Jack received many accolades, including an OBE, two Oscars and a BAFTA Special Award.
The BFI published an interview with Jack Cardiff concerning his working relationship with Lawrence Olivier and Marilyn Monroe on the set of the 1957 film "The Prince and the Showgirl". The interview explains: "The whole unit respected Larry as the great actor and director he was. Marilyn was less respected mainly because she was always late coming on the set and causing big problems for Larry. But she and I became good friends. I felt great sympathy for her as she had so many psychological problems and was so touchingly vulnerable. Many times we would shoot a couple of dozen or more takes because Marilyn forgot her lines and Larry would print many NG takes hoping they could be shuffled around in the editing. But when we saw the rushes Marilyn was simply wonderful. It was her extraordinary screen presence that made up for everything".
"She had this double identity. On one part she was the great Marilyn Monroe, the sex goddess, the person that everyone in America wanted to go to bed with. That was the Monroe character, and the other one was like a little child of about 14 – very innocent girl to talk to – she obviously couldn’t have been innocent but she seemed like that you know, and in many ways the sort of person you wanted to protect".
Representing Cornel Lucas – the first Stills Photographer ever to be awarded a Bafta for his services to the British Film industry are several signed silver gelatine prints titled Red Shoes, Film Cameramen and Mission ranging from £250-800. A beautiful 1970’s colour illustrated children’s’ book by actress Nanette Newman (also known for her Fairy Liquid adverts) titled “God Bless Love” is signed by Roger Moore, Princess Grace, Prince Rainier, Cary Grant and Lawrence Olivier is estimated at £1,000-1,500.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts supports develops and promotes the art forms of the moving image, by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and benefiting the public.
For more details visit the Bonhams web site.
