Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro has decided to auction an extensive collection of movie memorabilia following a close call with wildfires near his home in California. The sale, which includes props, artwork, and rare collectibles from del Toro’s personal archive, comes after a recent wildfire threatened his property and prompted him to reflect on the preservation of his cherished items.
A Collector’s Passion: Guillermo del Toro’s Bleak House
Guillermo del Toro is more than just an acclaimed filmmaker; he is a passionate collector whose life’s work extends far beyond cinema. His Santa Monica residence, known as the Bleak House, spans two and a half properties and houses thousands of horror memorabilia, including ghoulish creatures, comic drawings, paintings, books, and movie props. This collection is not merely an accumulation of items, but a carefully curated archive of visual and cultural history.
When wildfires threatened Los Angeles earlier this year, Del Toro demonstrated his deep commitment to his collection by rushing back to save as many items as possible. Of over 5,000 pieces, he managed to rescue approximately 120 objects, highlighting the personal significance these artifacts hold for him. The experience of potential loss prompted him to develop a strategic plan to preserve these treasures.
The Auction: Preserving Cultural Heritage
Del Toro has partnered with Heritage Auctions to sell a portion of his collection through a three-part auction series. The first online auction, starting September 26, will feature over a hundred items, with more planned for subsequent years. For Del Toro, this is not simply a business transaction, but a carefully considered method of estate planning and cultural preservation.
The auction includes rare and significant pieces from Del Toro’s personal collection and works by legendary artists like Bernie Wrightson, Mike Mignola, Richard Corben, and Jack Kirby. Items range from concept sketches and movie props to iconic illustrations, with starting bids from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Del Toro’s goal is to ensure these pieces find homes with collectors who will appreciate and protect them as he has.
A Curator’s Dedication
Maintaining the Bleak House collection is a meticulous and time-consuming process that Del Toro manages almost entirely by himself. He carefully monitors temperature, prevents direct sunlight, selects picture frames, dusts artifacts, and arranges bookshelves. Each room is organized by theme, with dedicated spaces for different film projects and collections, reflecting his methodical approach to preservation.
For Del Toro, collecting is a profound responsibility. He views these items not as personal possessions, but as cultural artifacts that might hold significant meaning for future generations. ‘As collectors, you are basically keeping pieces of culture for generations to come,’ he explains, emphasizing the broader cultural significance of preservation and careful curation.
Source: latimes.com