David Lynch’s personal belongings sell for more than $4 million at auction
Earlier this week, almost 450 items belonging to the late director David Lynch were sold at auction for a combined value of $4.25 million.
The auction, held by Julien’s Auctions in partnership with Turner Classic Movies, took place at the Peninsula Beverly Hills on June 18th. Hundreds were in attendance, and more collectors participated online from around the world. The money raised by the sale will go to Lynch’s estate.
Notable items include scripts from Mulholland Drive, which sold for a staggering $104,000. Meanwhile, a script for the pilot episode of Twin Peaks sold for $91,000, and his special director’s chair, which boasts a custom design featuring his name, went for $70,000.
The biggest sale from the auction was a bundle featuring 11 scripts for Ronnie Rocket: The Absurd Mystery of The Strange Forces of Existence for $195,000. Lynch began work on the movie in the late 1970s following the release of Eraserhead, but due to problems sourcing funding, the director was left with no choice but to move on to pastures new.
One of the secretive scripts includes the following message: “Another script bore a stern warning: “”We are very concerned about preserving the integrity of this screenplay. Please do not let anyone read this script — it is for your use only.”
According to the late director, the shelved movie revolves around “a three-foot tall guy with red hair and physical problems, and about 60-cycle alternating current electricity”.
Other intriguing items that sold for a high value include an incense holder that was made by Lynch in 1974, which fetched $52,000 and his personal 35mm print of Eraserhead, which was sold for the same value.
Lynch’s death, aged 78, was confirmed by his family in January. They shared: “It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch. There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.’ It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.”
It was later confirmed that Lynch passed away due to cardiac arrest resulting from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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