Two vintage red velvet chairs from the first ever Harry
Potter film are coming up for auction after a similar pair fetched thousands
when they went under the hammer with Hansons London.
And that means Potter fans across the world have a second opportunity – coming up on April 28, 2018 – to own a piece of cinema history.
The atmospheric armchairs featured in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 2001. The London seller, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “The chairs were used in Gryffindor’s common room. I purchased them some years ago from a major film set props company.”
He bought four Harry Potter chairs originally and sold one pair in Hansons London March 24 auction at Teddington’s Normansfield Theatre – with great success. They were contested to £4,200.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons London, said: “We had strong bidding from America but eventually the chairs sold to a French collector.
“That final hammer price proves, yet again, the power and popularity of the Harry Potter films and books. We’re delighted our client has come back to us to sell this second pair of chairs.”
The vendor said: “Once you know what you are looking for, you can easily distinguish the chairs in Gryffindor’s common room when you are watching the film.”
Godric Gryffindor was one of the four founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a character created by Harry Potter author J K Rowling.
“The common room is predominantly red and features around seven of the red armchairs as well as a sofa,” said Mr Hanson. “The chairs look old and worn but comfortable – which they are.
“From a buyer’s perspective, it’s all about owning something that’s played a role in one of the most popular films of all time, seen by millions of people across the world. They are an incredible piece of cinema history.”
The Harry Potter books and films have been a worldwide phenomenon. Six of the series of eight films are among the 50 highest-grossing films of all time.
Chris Kirkham, Hansons London associate director, said: “I am delighted the vendor has returned to us to sell this second pair of armchairs. It’s a rare opportunity for Harry Potter fans.
“There was so much interest last time we have put the estimate at £5,000-£10,000 for this pair of chairs. It’s not often props like from such a famous film become available to buy.
“It’s incredible to think that Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was first published 21 years ago in 1997 with a first print run of just 500 copies. The series of seven novels has now sold more than 450 million copies worldwide.”
The two chairs from the film set of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone will be sold at Hansons London April 28 auction at The Normansfield Theatre, Langdon Down Centre, 2 A Langdon Park, Teddington, TW11 9PS. The auction begins at 11am. People can bid in person, in advance or online via www.the-saleroom.com. To find out more, call 020 8979 7954 or email [email protected]. Hansons now holds free valuations days every Saturday at the Normansfield Theatre, Teddington, from 9.30am-12.30pm.
