There is a nice feature today by Martin A. Grove interviewing the founder of The Hollywood Museum, Donelle Dadigan. The non-profit museum, featuring over 10,000 pieces, includes “vintage photographs… collections of sets, props, costumes and the personal effects of hundreds of past and present movie stars”. [Read more…]
The Telegraph – James Bond Feature About 007 Memorabilia & Values
There is a feature in today’s Telegraph (telegraph.co.uk) about the value of James Bond/007 memorabilia, and the impact of the new film, Quantum of Solace. As is typical with mainstream media reports on (in this case, in part only) original props and costumes, the focus is on monetary value, though there is a caveat with regards to provenance. [Read more…]
Sotheby’s Refuses to Return Consignment Following Ownership Dispute
There is an article at Maine Antique Digest about a dispute over a Thomas Jefferson letter consigned to the Sotheby’s auction house – the Attorney General of the state of New Jersey sent a letter to Sotheby’s prior to the auction event, claiming ownership of the document. [Read more…]
Madonna, Marquee Capital, & “High Quality Memorabilia Investments”
There is often a preoccupation with “value” in mainstream media coverage of the original prop collecting hobby. Today there has been a lot of little news bytes with regards to a company called “Marquee Capital” and the announcement of an exhibition of “film and stage costumes and artefacts” from Madonna. [Read more…]
Jack Markowitz, The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Movie Props are Silly Junk
There is an interesting article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review by “retired business editor” and columnist Jack Markowitz – “Pop Culture Collectors Really Need to Take Stock” – which essentially denigrates the entire pursuit of collecting and preserving original movie and television props and costumes, as well as those who participate in the hobby. This is my first exposure to this journalist’s work, but his premise seems to be that if something is not a Rembrandt or otherwise predate the invention of automobiles, film, and television, it is of no value – though value and money seem to be the focus of his feature. [Read more…]
Los Angeles Times Feature on “Global Antiques”
Tomorrow’s edition of the Los Angeles Times includes a feature by Harriet Ryan on the Global Antiques props sold on eBay by Auction Depot LA, Auction Shop USA, and Historic Souvenirs. The full story can be read online at latimes.com – “Internet citizen posses investigate some sellers” – also archived below: [Read more…]
L.A. Times Video Featurette on Profiles in History “Hollywood Auction 32”
The L.A. Times website features a short video featurette and story on the upcoming Profiles in History “Hollywood Auction 32” (LINK): [Read more…]
“The Wonderful World of Weta” BBC Video
There is a nice little video on BBC News providing good coverage of the props and costumes on display at the Royal Armouries (see “The Wonderful World of Weta” Exhibition in UK). [Read more…]