**David Lynch Collectables Fetch Over £3m at Star-Studded Los Angeles Auction**
A remarkable array of memorabilia linked to the celebrated American filmmaker David Lynch has garnered significant attention at an auction in Los Angeles, ultimately bringing in just over £3 million. The sale marks not only a milestone in the world of film collectibles but also underscores the enduring legacy of Lynch, whose works have left an indelible mark on cinema and television.
The event was jointly managed by Julien’s Auctions and Turner Classic Movies (TCM), who carefully curated over 450 items from Lynch’s personal and professional archives. The auction, held at the prestigious Peninsula Beverly Hills, saw collectors, cinephiles, and enthusiastic fans from around the globe bidding eagerly for a piece of Lynch’s storied past. By the end of the auction, the final tally stood at an impressive 4.25 million US dollars—equivalent to about £3.16 million.
Among the prized artefacts on offer, the highlight was a rare collection of 11 scripts belonging to Lynch’s famously abandoned project, “Ronnie Rocket: The Absurd Mystery Of The Strange Forces of Existence.” These scripts alone fetched an astonishing 195,000 dollars, or approximately £145,200. The film, despite never being completed, has long captivated Lynch’s loyal fanbase and film historians, making related memorabilia particularly valuable.
Other significant pieces included items from ‘Mulholland Drive’, a film widely considered to be one of Lynch’s masterpieces. Three original scripts from the production achieved a combined sale price of 104,000 dollars (about £77,444). One script contained a warning note about maintaining the secrecy and integrity of the screenplay, a testament to Lynch’s famously meticulous approach to his craft.
Props from the same film generated brisk bidding, with two prop menus from the iconic Winkie’s diner bringing in 7,800 dollars (£5,808). In addition, an artistic diptych featuring portraits of Naomi Watts and Laura Harring—who portrayed Betty Elms and Rita respectively—went for 16,250 dollars (£12,100), reflecting the enduring cultural impact of the film.
A particularly sought-after item was Lynch’s personal red leather director’s chair, emblazoned with his name. After being exhibited at several of Los Angeles’ most iconic locations, including Mulholland Drive’s scenic overlook and the real-life diner that inspired Winkie’s, the chair was snapped up for 91,000 dollars (£67,762). Its journey around the city before the auction only added to its symbolic value for Lynch devotees.
Catherine Williamson, the managing director of entertainment at Julien’s Auctions, commented, “Every object in this collection served as a window into Lynch’s surreal and uncompromising creative world – whether from his ground-breaking films, television work, or personal studio.” She highlighted the overwhelming global interest and noted, “The response to the auction speaks not only to the cultural importance of his legacy, but also to the profound admiration among fans, collaborators, and collectors.”
The sale wasn’t limited to Lynch’s feature films. Scripts from the iconic TV series Twin Peaks, which Lynch co-created with Mark Frost, were also highly coveted. One script, with the original title ‘Northwest Passage’ crossed out and replaced by ‘Twin Peaks’, reached 91,000 dollars (£67,762). Similarly, scripts from the show’s prequel film ‘Fire Walk With Me’ realised 78,000 dollars (£58,082), highlighting the ongoing relevance of Lynch’s television output.
Another centrepiece was Lynch’s own 35mm print of his influential 1977 debut feature, ‘Eraserhead’, which sold for 52,000 dollars (£38,721). The print is not only a piece of cinematic history but a reflection of his influence as an artist straddling both film and avant-garde traditions.
The auction arrives just months after Lynch’s passing earlier this year at the age of 78, following his public battle with emphysema, a condition linked to his history of smoking. The sale provides both fans and industry insiders a unique opportunity to reflect on the depth and breadth of Lynch’s contributions to modern culture.
While the sale of these items is perhaps a testament to the monetary value attached to film souvenirs, it more broadly speaks to the lasting impact David Lynch has had on generations of viewers and the world of contemporary art, drama, and storytelling.