Stanley Kubrick Personal Archive Items Head to Auction at Bonhams
Rare film memorabilia from iconic director Stanley Kubrick will be auctioned in London this February.
1Archive Auction Details
Bonhams is set to host a significant auction featuring items directly from the personal archives of filmmaker Stanley Kubrick. The event will take place in London this February, offering collectors a rare opportunity to acquire props, scripts, and production equipment. These items represent a unique collection of Hollywood history spanning his career.
2The Star Child Prop
The most anticipated item is the original Star Child prop from the 1968 masterpiece 2001: A Space Odyssey. This fiberglass figure, which appeared in the film's conclusion, is estimated to fetch between $800,000 and $1,100,000. It remains a highly significant piece of cinema history that won an Academy Award for special effects.
3Iconic Shining Costumes
Production-used costumes worn by the Grady sisters in the 1980 horror classic The Shining are also hitting the block. Designer Milena Canonero drew inspiration from 1940s American style catalogues to create these timeless outfits. Bidders can expect these iconic garments to sell for an estimated price range of $54,000 to $80,000.
4Director Chair Provenance
Stanley Kubrick's personal folding dark wood director’s chair is included in the auction lineup. Featuring a pale green canvas seat and customized script boxes on each arm, the chair bears his name stenciled in black. Experts estimate this piece of production history will sell for between $11,000 and $16,000 at the upcoming event.
5Personal Chess Set
A chess set belonging to Kubrick, who was known for his lifelong passion for the game, is also available. The director often applied the discipline of chess to his filmmaking process. This specific set, estimated at $2,700 to $5,400, reflects his history of playing in New York City’s Washington Square Park.
6Public Viewing Schedule
Before the live auction in London, interested parties can view the items in person at Bonhams locations. Exhibitions are scheduled for Los Angeles from November 2 to November 6, followed by dates in Paris throughout November. These previews allow collectors to inspect the condition of the props and memorabilia before bidding begins.
7Auction Timeline Logistics
The live auction event is scheduled to take place at Bonhams in London on Wednesday, February 3, 2027. Additionally, an online auction component will run concurrently, concluding on February 4 at 12 p.m. local time. Interested bidders should monitor the official Bonhams website for real-time updates and final registration requirements for participation.
8Legacy of Kubrickian Cinema
The auction highlights the enduring impact of Kubrick’s precise, bold style on visual culture. As noted by Claire Tole-Moir, the director’s technical mastery is so distinct that the term 'Kubrickian' is now a recognized dictionary entry. These items serve as tangible artifacts of a career that continues to influence modern cinematic storytelling.