Few things spark the same level of fanaticism as films, and for movie buffs there's no greater prize than getting their hands on something that's had a starring role in their favourite motion picture.
Tapping into this nostalgia is big business for Prop Store, one of the world's leading retailers of film and TV memorabilia. Its latest auction, being held at London's BFI IMAX on 27 September, brings together more than 500 highly sought-after original pieces, worth in excess of £1.5 million.
The Batman franchise has produced some of the biggest draws of the upcoming sale. The Batsuit worn by Christian Bale in Batman Begins is expected to fetch £30-40k, while the version from 2012's The Dark Knight Rises is valued slightly higher, at £40-50k. Topping the list with an estimated price of £60-80k, however, is the futuristic Batpod, a custom-engineered bike central to some of the most exhilarating action scenes in both The Dark Knight and its sequel.
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Other big-ticket items from modern blockbusters include Harry Potter's Hogwarts acceptance letter (£3-5k), as featured in the first instalment of the series, and the dress worn by Keira Knightley for her wedding in Love Actually (£5-7k). Meanwhile, coveted memorabilia from classic films including Jaws, Jurassic Park, Star Wars and The Goonies will also be going under the hammer.
The auction will be live-streamed online, but in the run-up, fans can get a closer look with a free preview exhibition at the BFI IMAX from 14 to 27 September, showcasing more than 300 key lots. The cinema will also show a number of special screenings to coincide with the event, including titles such as Gladiator, Top Gun and The Dark Knight Trilogy.
Prop Store's film and TV memorabilia auction takes place at the BFI IMAX, London, on 27 September at 12pm. An exhibition of the items on sale is open to the public from 10am to 9.30pm, 14-27 September; propstore.com; odeon.co.uk/bfiimax
