WORDS: ELLIOTT HUGHES | PHOTOGRAPHY: BONHAMS
Bonhams has announced an exciting standalone auction dedicated to legendary British actor Sir Michael Caine. The Sir Michael Caine Collection Sale is scheduled to take place at New Bond Street in London on March 2, 2022. Bonhams’ announcement is the latest in a stream of high-profile sales organised by major auction houses in recent weeks which will see the Tenenbaum and Petitjean Collections change hands.
Personally offered by the iconic actor himself, the auction features an eclectic mix of Sir Michael’s personal possessions including his trademark spectacles (£800 – £1000) and his everyday Rolex wristwatch which he wore in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Bonhams estimates the watch to sell for between £8000 – £12,000.
Other highlights include original movie posters from award-winning classic films Zulu and Alfie. The posters are estimated at £1500 – £2000 and £500 – £800 respectively. Bidders will also have the opportunity to purchase the Tony Award won by Sir Michael for his performance in the 1971 film Get Carter (£1000 – £1500).
Ironically, the item on the docket with the highest estimate is not directly related to Sir Michael Caine or his acting career. Instead it is Les Amoureux dans l’arbe, a piece of original artwork by French artist Marc Chagall (£30,000 – £50,000). A Portrait of Sir Michael Caine by Lincoln Townley bears a similar estimate to the Rolex at £10,000 – £15,000.
Proceeds from the auction will be donated to the NSPCC charity, which is dedicated to preventing cruelty to children in the UK. Charity CEO Sir Peter Wanless said: “Sir Michael Caine is a former patron and longstanding supporter of the NSPCC. We are touched and extremely grateful he has chosen to donate all the proceeds raised from the sale of this fantastic portrait of him to such an important cause.
“We also thank the artist, Lincoln Townley, and Bonhams for waiving their vendor’s commission from this upcoming auction. Fingers crossed the painting is sold for a price that is befitting of Sir Michael’s considerable talents and generosity.”
All the lots from the upcoming Sir Michael Caine Collection Sale can be viewed here.
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