More than 250 screen-used puppets, maquettes, paint test models, props, set pieces and original concept and production art from Laika, the animation studio behind the Academy Award-nominated films The Boxtrolls, ParaNorman and Coraline, together generated sales of more than $1 million in Heritage Auctions’ “The Art of Laika” auction in Beverly Hills last week. A portion of the proceeds of the auction will be donated to The Art of Elysium, a non-profit arts organization that works to make art a catalyst for social change by bringing creativity and inspiration to children, artists and various populations in need.
The top-selling lot of the auction was the terrifyingly beautiful Evil Other Mother production puppet, in her elaborately realized black dress, from Coraline. The puppet was the subject of spirited bidding that reached a final price of $50,190, five times its pre-auction estimate of $10,000. A Coraline production puppet of the titular character in her iconic blue-starred sweater, estimated to sell for over $5,000, brought a final price of $23,900. “The Art of Laika” auction generated bidding from all over the world, as well as international media attention.
“Collectors and fans around the world turned out en masse to show their love for these films and to try to get a piece of the studio’s legacy,” said Jim Lentz, Heritage Auctions’ director of animation art. “The response to this auction has really been unprecedented.”
“We’re so pleased by the support from animation fans around the world,” said Travis Knight, Laika’s president and CEO. “We’re also thrilled to support The Art of Elysium, whose mission is to use the power of art to heal and change lives.”
Other highlights of the auction, and their final prices, included these original animation puppets: ParaNorman’s Norman for $28,680; The Boxtrolls’ Archibald Snatcher for $23,900; Coraline in orange pajamas for $22,705; Coraline’s the Cat for $17,925; ParaNorman’s Mitch Downe for $17,925; and The Boxtrolls’ Winnie Portley-Rind for $16,730.
