David Lynch Auction: Director’s Chair Sells for $91,000; Highest Sale Is ‘Ronnie Rocket’ Scripts for $195,000

David Lynch director's chair

The proceeds from the David Lynch Collection auction could buy quite a few cherry pies: Julien’s auction Wednesday with Turner Classic Movies raised $4.25 million total for the iconic filmmaker’s estate.

Nearly 450 items were included in the auction, including pieces from the “Twin Peaks” TV show and films like “Mulholland Drive,” “Eraserhead” and “Dune.”

Lynch’s director’s chair, which made a stop at Variety’s office Monday on its way to the action, fetched $91,000. The live auction attracted hundreds of collectors and fans online and at the Peninsula Beverly Hills hotel.

“Julien’s and TCM were privileged to represent this landmark white glove sale celebrating the life and legacy of David Lynch,” said Catherine Williamson, Managing Director of Entertainment, Julien’s Auctions. “Every object in this collection served as a window into Lynch’s surreal and uncompromising creative world — whether from his groundbreaking films, television work, or personal studio. The global response to the auction speaks not only to the cultural importance of his legacy, but to the profound admiration and reverence he inspires among fans, collaborators, and collectors alike.”

Some of the most notable sales included:

  • The biggest item was a group of 11 scripts from Lynch’s unfinished film project, “Ronnie Rocket: The Absurd Mystery of the Strange Forces of Existence,” which sold for a surprising $195,000.
  • A group of three scripts from the production of “Mulholland Drive” sold for $104,000. Other “Mulholland Drive” items topped the auction including the prop menus for Winkie’s diner used in the film ($7,800) and an original diptych featuring portraits of Naomi Watts and Laura Harring as their roles Betty Elms and Rita in the film ($16,250).
  • Script copies of the “Twin Peaks” pilot episode, with the original name “Northwest Passage” crossed out, sold for $91,000.
  • Lynch’s personal 35mm print of his debut feature “Eraserhead” sold for $52,000.
  • Two taxidermy deer heads from Lynch’s home, including one seen in the first episode of season two of “Twin Peaks,” sold for $16,250.
  • The coffee-loving director’s La Marzocco GS/3 home espresso machine sold for $45,500 and his Mazzer mini electronic commercial espresso grinder (A) went for $7,800.
  • Lynch’s furniture, such as a hot pink velvet sofa ($11,700), a pair of David Lynch limited edition Domeau & Peres Silencio Club chairs ($16,250), an early Herman Miller Coconut lounge chair and ottoman, circa 1960, originally designed by George Nelson in 1956 ($22,750).

From Variety US

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