Tony Curtis memorabilia to go under the hammer

Julien’s Auctions, the world’s premier entertainment and celebrity auction house, is offering a rare glimpse into the life of one of Hollywood’s most colourful stars, Tony Curtis.

The Hollywood star whose off-screen character was often more sensational than his on-screen one, lived a life that could be its own movie or TV series as his career spanned six decades with popularity during the 1950s and 1960s enabling him to transpose his good looks into super movie stardom. Tony Curtis acted in over 100 films ranging from light comedy to serious drama and he also made numerous television appearances such as in The Persuaders co-starring Roger Moore.

According to the Julien’s Auctions website, The Curtis Estate auction features property spanning from his World War II Naval stint through the first decade of the 21st century. Choice memorabilia items from Mr Curtis’ acting career include a yachtsman’s jacket from the famous shipboard kissing scene with Marilyn Monroe in Some Like it Hot, a beautiful rosewood Rudall and Carte flute given to Curtis by Frank Sinatra and his Photoplay 14k gold medal award for Most Popular Male Star won in 1958. Fine art highlights coming to the block include the Andy Warhol Some Like it Hot Shoe, given to Curtis as a gift by the artist, (estimated at $20,000/$30,000), three drawings by Balthus, a Maurice Denis oil on canvas study for the Baptism of Christ Mosaic at the Church of Saint Paul in Geneva, ceramics and prints by Picasso, Braque, and Chagall, a fine collection of 20th century American, British, and European paintings, and many selections from Tony Curtis’s own secondary career as an artist, including paintings, drawings, prints, ceramic vases, and a tapestry.

Also available for the first time are a selection of assemblage shadowboxes, a type of artwork very personal to Curtis and never before exhibited or sold to the public.

In addition to being a popular actor, Mr Curtis was a fine art connossiuer. Collectors will have the opportunity to purchase some of his impressive art collection along with items from his illustrious career at Julien’s Auctions Gallery in Beverly Hills on September 17.

This auction also proudly showcases awards, mementos, photographs, letters, clothing, and personal effects from all phases of Curtis’ life and career and reflecting his many interests and talents.