Kubrick Archive Auction Features Shining Axe, Star Child Prop — SkimNews
Get the Culture newsletter
Daily culture — film, music, books, the trends and ideas worth your attention. Free.
- Stanley Kubrick’s archive is being auctioned by Bonhams, featuring original props, costumes, and personal items from his films, including The Shining, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Barry Lyndon, and Eyes Wide Shut
- The special effects axe used by Jack Nicholson in The Shining, famous for the 'Here’s Johnny!' scene, is listed with an estimated value between £30,000 and £50,000
- The 'star child' prop from the final scene of 2001: A Space Odyssey is expected to fetch up to £800,000, making it the highest-valued lot in the auction
- Bonhams will host public exhibitions of the collection in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and London starting 18 January, ahead of the 3 February auction in London
- Kubrick’s annotated film scripts, including those for The Shining and Lolita, are highlighted by Bonhams’ Claire Tole-Moir as key insights into his creative process
- Kubrick’s director’s chair and personal chess set, reflecting his disciplined and strategic approach to filmmaking, are among the personal artifacts included in the sale
Why it matters: Collectors and film historians can acquire original pieces from one of cinema’s most meticulous directors, with props like the 'star child' potentially selling for £800,000—validating Kubrick’s enduring cultural and monetary value in visual storytelling.
Ask SkimNews
