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Lights Camera Auction | Featuring costumes worn by Colin Firth, Madonna, Johnny Depp, Heath Ledger, Meryl Streep and many more

• 15th Feb 2024

Cosprop and Kerry Taylor Auctions today announce over 60 iconic costumes from film and TV, as worn by screen legends will go under the hammer in Lights Camera Auction, 5^th March, alongside an online auction, to launch on 22^nd February until 10^th March, featuring film and TV related experiences and celebrity memorabilia.
 
Treasures from the archives of Cosprop, one of the world’s leading costume houses, founded by Academy & BAFTA award winning costume designer John Bright in 1965, includes a vintage 1950’s Christian Dior taffeta ball gown, worn by Madonna in Evita (1996), Johnny Depp’s costume as Ichabod Crane in the film ‘Sleepy Hollow’, (1999); Colin Firth’s infamous wet shirt from the BBC TV’s drama series Pride & Prejudice (1995), Heath Ledger’s masquerade ball costume from Casanova (2005) and the memorable dress and hooded cape worn by Meryl Streep in The French Lieutenant’s Woman (1981).
 
The costumes have been donated by Cosprop in support of The Bright Foundation, an arts education charity, established and funded by John Bright, to provide life-enhancing, creative experiences for children and young people facing disadvantage.
 
The Live LIGHTS CAMERA AUCTION event on 5^th March, will be hosted by Kerry Taylor Auctions in London and on the digital platform invaluable, featuring truly iconic costumes worn by stars of the silver screen, such as Dame Julie Andrews, Helena Bonham Carter, Jude Law, Tom Hardy, Eddie Redmayne, Gwyneth Paltrow, Dame Judi Dench, Ralph Fiennes, Scarlett Johansson, Nicole Kidman, Keira Knightley, Daniel Radcliffe, Alan Rickman, Margot Robbie, Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Renée Zellweger and Aidan Turner. Also going under the hammer are costumes from internationally acclaimed TV drama series including Poldark, Peaky Blinders and Downton Abbey. To view all of the lots, including Sir Tim Rice’s handwritten and signed lyrics for Don’t Cry for Me Argentina, visit www.lightscamera.auction and www.kerrytaylorauctions.com
 
The auction presents bidders with a unique opportunity to own a piece of screen history, appealing to serious Hollywood costume collectors, dedicated fans, and those wanting to acquire costumes for investment or enjoyment.
 
To coincide with the live event a timed online only auction, also hosted by Kerry Taylor Auctions will run from 22^nd February until 10^th March, featuring over 40 unique film related experiences, celebrity memorabilia, original artworks, designer fashion and jewellery, fine dining and hospitality. Bidders will have the chance to have a bespoke wedding dress or period costume designed by John Bright, to be fitted and made by Cosprop. The list of stellar lots also includes the signed, full final script for Love Actually donated by Richard Curtis and Emma Freud; a set visit, including lunch, with Hugh Bonneville for four people to one of the actor’s upcoming filming projects; 2 admission tickets and Paddock passes for The Goodwood Revival 2024; a limited edition pair of replica Star drum heads donated by Nick Mason CBE Pink Floyd drummer, the originals appeared at The Hyde Park Free Concert, London on 18 July 1970; a very rare poster and programme for the Broadway theatre production (2015) of The Audience signed Dame Helen Mirren; an original self-portrait by Oscar winning actor Jim Broadbent as Scrooge on stage and a rare limited edition (1 of 1) Give My Regards To Broad Street photographic print signed by Paul McCartney, wearing a Cosprop period costume, alongside Ringo Starr. For further details and to view the full online catalogue www.LightsCamera.Auction and www.kerrytaylorauctions.com
 
For nearly 60 years, John Bright has brought characters and moments in time vividly to life on stage and screen. Working as a costume designer himself and as a costumier with Cosprop, he has helped realise the creative visions of generations of costume designers, including Jenny Beavan, Alexandra Byrne, Jacqueline Durran, Joanna Johnston, Tom Rand and Penny Rose. He is particularly respected for his attention to detail and historical accuracy. The list of actors he has personally fitted, is truly remarkable, many of whom hold him in high regard and personal affection.
 
Meryl Streep, an Ambassador of The Bright Foundation said: “John you have been one of my favourite colleagues in this sometimes challenging, always glorious profession. I am so happy to help The Bright Foundation continue with the same exceptional care, imagination, precision and depth of knowledge that made your work stand out so singularly.”
 
With pro bono support from Kerry Taylor Auctions & Invaluable, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the charity to provide free access to theatre shows, museum tours, visual and performance arts workshops for children, who might not otherwise have the chance to do so, as well as supporting creative career pathways for young people.
 
John Bright said: “My life’s work has been committed to costume design for film, tv and theatre and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to pursue this path. It is my firmly held belief that the arts and creativity can shape happier and healthier children and enable young people to reach their full potential.”
 
The Lights Camera Auction proceeds will provide a lasting legacy from John’s prolific career to support the designers and makers of the future. Auctioneer Kerry Taylor said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to own a piece of screen history, celebrity memorabilia, or the chance to enjoy unique experiences. Having inspected linear miles of treasure-filled rails at Cosprop, I hand-picked a selection of costumes ranging in style from fantasy Renaissance to more mid-20^th century silhouettes, all worn by internationally renowned actors. The live auction event will appeal to serious Hollywood and tv period drama costume collectors. Whilst the online-only timed auction, will offer an eclectic range of lots, including one-of-a-kind experiences and personal items donated by the stellar list of celebrity Ambassadors and supporters of The Bright Foundation.”
 
To view all of the lots featured in both the live auction on 5th March and the online only timed auction (22^nd February to 10th March) visit www.LightsCamera.Auction and www.kerrytaylorauctions.com