Netflix’s “The Crown” Auction Raises Staggering £1.67 Million at Bonhams London

Netflix’s ‘The Crown’ Auction marked a historic moment as over 450 meticulously crafted pieces from the acclaimed TV series found new homes, fetching a remarkable £1,674,000 at Bonhams, London. The auction, which boasted an impressive 100% sell-through rate, exceeded all expectations, showcasing the enduring allure of this beloved show.

The auction, which spanned both live and online platforms, captured the attention of collectors and fans alike. Charlie Thomas, Bonhams UK Group Director for Private & Iconic Collections, expressed his gratitude for the collaboration with Left Bank Pictures, the production company behind “The Crown.” He hailed the event as a resounding success, attributing it to both the series’ undeniable popularity and the exceptional talent involved in its creation.

Among the most coveted items were iconic props and costumes that breathed life into the world of “The Crown.” The top lot, a 1987 Jaguar XJ-SC 3.6L Cabriolet, used to depict Princess Diana’s personal vehicle, fetched an astonishing £70,250, surpassing its estimate fourfold.

1987 Jaguar XJ-SC 3.6L Cabriolet that portrayed Princess Diana’s personal Jaguar sold for £70,250, more than four times its estimate of £15,000-20,000 © Bonhams

Another notable item, the world’s only reproduction of the Gold State Coach, fetched £56,280, nearly doubling its pre-sale estimate of £30,000-50,000.

The world’s only reproduction of the Gold State Coach achieved £56,280 almost twice its estimate £30,000-50,000 — World’s only reproduction of the Gold State Coach achieved £56,280, almost twice its estimate of £30,000-50,000 © Bonhams

The Gold State Coach sold for £56,280 © Bonhams

The funeral procession model of Imelda Staunton as the Queen, prominently featured in the final episode of “The Crown” (Season 6, Episode 10), sold for £53,740, six times its pre-sale estimate of £8,000-12,000.

Imelda Staunton funeral procession model as seen in the last episode of *The Crown* sold for £53,740, six times the estimate of £8,000-12,000 © Bonhams

Additionally, a parquetry and gilt metal mounted cylinder bureau in the Louis XVI style, initially showcased in Season 2 in the Audience Room by Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, and Imelda Staunton as the Queen, realized a selling price of £46,080, significantly surpassing its pre-sale estimate of £2,000-3,000.

With an estimate of £2,000-3,000, Claire Foy, Olivia Colman & Imelda Staunton, parquetry and gilt metal mounted cylinder bureau in the Louis XVI style, that was first seen in Season 2, sold for £46,080 © Bonhams

Other notable sales included a reproduction of the Coronation Chair (Saint Edward’s Chair) which sold for £25,600, surpassing its pre-sale estimate of £10,000-20,000.

A reproduction of the Coronation Chair (right) sold for £25,600 © Bonhams

Moreover, a replica of the famous wrought iron gates of Buckingham Palace fetched £12,800, exceeding the pre-sale estimate of £6,000-8,000, while a replica of the façade of Number 10 Downing Street sold for £10,880.

Replica of the famous wrought iron gates of Buckingham Palace achieved £12,800 and the replica of Number 10 Downing Street façade sold for £10,880 © Bonhams

The allure of “The Crown” extended beyond grandeur to encompass the exquisite costumes worn by its stellar cast. Replicas of the Coronation Ceremonial Garments, including the Imperial Mantle and Stole, commanded significant sums, as did the iconic ‘Revenge dress’ inspired by Princess Diana’s fashion statement which sold for £12,800. These pieces not only encapsulated the essence of the characters but also served as tangible connections to the show’s rich narrative tapestry.

The dress inspired by Princess Diana’s ‘Revenge dress’ achieved £12,800 © Bonhams

Princess Diana’s ‘Revenge dress’ © Bonhams

Even the smallest details, such as character props and quirky memorabilia, found eager buyers. A humble swizzle stick, used in portraying the Queen Mother, fetched an astounding £1,664, a testament to the fervent dedication of collectors seeking to own a piece of television history. However, beyond the glitz and glamour, the true significance of this auction lies in its charitable impact. Proceeds from the live auction will fund scholarships at the prestigious National Film and Television School (NFTS), laying the groundwork for the Left Bank Pictures – The Crown Scholarship program. This initiative aims to provide fully-funded scholarships for aspiring filmmakers, ensuring that the legacy of “The Crown” extends far beyond the confines of the screen.

A highlight of the live sale was the appearance of actor Alex Jennings, who portrayed the Duke of Windsor in the series. His corduroy blazer and trousers from a pivotal episode found a new owner, further adding to the auction’s allure.

Guest appearance by actor Alex Jennings, who played the Duke of Windsor in *The Crown*, auctioning a corduroy blazer and trousers from Season 5, Episode 3, which sold for £1,088 © Bonhams

Prior to the auction, an exclusive exhibition at Bonhams New Bond Street drew an unprecedented 30,000 visitors, underscoring the profound impact of “The Crown” on popular culture. In response to the auction’s success, Andy Harries, Chief Executive of Left Bank Pictures, expressed his satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the industry that made the series possible. Jon Wardle, Director of the NFTS, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the transformative impact of the auction proceeds on future generations of filmmakers.

As the final gavel fell and the last bids were placed, the legacy of “The Crown” was etched in history, not only as a groundbreaking television series but also as a catalyst for change within the film and television industry.

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