Audrey Hepburn's personal copy of the film script of Breakfast at Tiffany's – complete with scribbles in the margins and the words she underlined and crossed-out – is one of a host of items that's coming up for auction at Christie's later this year.
Professionally, Hepburn is hailed as something of an icon for her memorable films, quirky characters and endearing performances. This is the first time that Hollywood memorabilia collectors can access and acquire the actress’s personal belongings, which have remained under the Hepburn family’s ownership since her death almost 25 years ago. Her sons Luca Dotti and Sean Hepburn Ferrer said they are releasing a selection of Hepburn’s belongings in the hope to “share them with her ever-growing base of admirers”.
In addition to annotated scripts, fans can also put in bids for for Hepburn’s off-set wardrobe, including a Burberry trench coat and Givenchy cocktail dress; portraits taken by professional photographers when she was at the peak of her career between 1953 and 1968; a monogrammed compact mirror; a lighter inscribed with the words “For My Fair Lady”; and a collection of letters that offer an intimate look at her life and career.
Adrian Hume-Sayer, director of Private Collections at Christie’s said: “Audrey Hepburn’s name is one that instantly resonates; her appeal and relevance remain as strong today as they ever were. The sale will offer new insights into the remarkable life of a remarkable woman.”
The auction will take place at Christie’s King Street headquarters on September 27, while international bidders can participate in the online auction being held from September 19 to October 3. Estimate bids start at about Dh467, and go up to Dh374,000.
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