Two vintage red velvet armchairs from the first ever Harry Potter film are coming up for auction – giving Potter fans across the world the chance to own a 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, with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 grossing more than $1 billion.
The atmospheric armchairs, used in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 2001, will be sold at auction by Hansons London on Saturday, March 24, with an estimate of £1,000-£2,000.
The London seller, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “They chairs were used in Gryffindor’s common room. I purchased them some years ago from a major film set props company. They are two from a set of four.”
Potter fans will know that wizard Godric Gryffindor was one of the four founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a brave character created by Harry Potter author J K Rowling.
Gryffindor’s common room features in an aerial shot in the film and is predominantly red featuring around seven of the red armchairs as well as a sofa. The chairs look old and worn but comfortable – which they are.
“Once you know what you are looking for you can easily distinguish them when you are watching the film,” said the vendor,
“I would love to see the chairs go to a huge Harry Potter fan, perhaps to someone in Japan where the films and books are huge.”
Chris Kirkham, Hansons London associate director, said: “This is a wonderful – and rare – opportunity for Harry Potter fans. It’s not often props like this from such a famous film become available to buy. I am sure Potter super fans all over the world would love the chance to own something that has played its part in cinema history.
“It’s incredible to think that the book, 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 in 79 languages and sparked the blockbuster movie franchise, which began with the film these chairs appeared in back in 2001. We expect a fierce contest at auction.”
The two chairs from the film set of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone will be sold at Hansons London March 24 auction at The Normansfield Theatre, Langdon Down Centre, 2 A Langdon Park, Teddington, TW11 9PS. The auction begins at noon. 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].
