If you’ve wanted to get up close and personal with Prince Charles’ signet ring, or Princess Diana’s revenge dress then gird yourself. It’s not quite the real thing, but Bonhams is auctioning off most of the prize props and costumes from Netflix’s The Crown, and will be open to view (for free) from 11th January until 5th February before being sold at auction.
The live sale of 150 items will take place on 7 February, with the rest of the 300 items available in an online sale from 30 January. Proceeds from the live sale will be used to launch a scholarship programme at the National Film and Television School.
Key lots include a powder blue ballgown (estimate £5,000 to £7,000) worn by Claire Foy as The Queen, as well as her full coronation regalia at a punchier £20,000 to £30,000 estimate. Other pieces, which were painstakingly, custom created by the wardrobe department overseen by Amy Roberts and Sidonie Roberts, include the so-called revenge dress worn by Elizabeth Debicki (£8,000 to £12,000) as well as the blue suit and pussybow blouse (£1,500 to £2,000) worn by Emma Corrin for the famed engagement announcement in season four — not to mention the imitation engagement ring (£2,000 to £3,000). There is also the sheer-dress recreated for Meg Bellamy/Kate Middleton’s runway debut (£2000-£3000) and Vanessa Kirby/Princess Margaret’s wedding dress and veil (£6000-£8000).
Other notable inclusions for the British royal history obsessive or Las Vegas proprietor with space to fill include the façade of the door from No. 10 Downing Street (£20,000 to £30,000) and a reproduction of the Gold State Coach (£30,000 to 50,000)
Charlie Thomas, Bonhams UK Group Director for House Sales and Private & Iconic Collections, offers that the sale “is completely unique. To sell the full prop set, costume designs from a recent production just hasn’t been done. In terms of price points there is everything from a porcelain corgi at £200 to the Gold State Carriage at £30,000” adding that “it is the only reproduction of a state carriage anywhere in the world, and it’s in full working order. The level of detail that goes into every single prop is outstanding, it gives people the opportunity to go behind the scenes and see the incredible work that goes into it.” The cheapest item is The Queen Mother's champagne swizzle stick, yours for a party trick favouring £60 to £80.
The best buys from Bonham's The Crown Auction:
The 'Revenge' dress, £8,000 to £12,000
Engagement ring, £2,000 to £3,000
Coronation ordaining dress, gold mantle and red cloak, £20,000 to £30,000
Pink striped Alpaca Sweater, £800 to £1,200
Leopard print swimsuit and Versace sunglasses, £800 to £1,200
The No 10 Downing Street Facade to include lantern, railings and boot-scraper,£20,000 to £30,000
A champagne swizzle stick together with Queen Mother's 'drink package', and hankerchiefs, £60 to £80
A reproduction of the Coronation carriage, £30,000 to £50,000
