Stanley Kubrick memorabilia, from ‘The Shining’ ax to ‘2001’ Star Child, heads to auction

From the Star Child in "2001: A Space Odyssey" to a special effects ax from "The Shining," objects from Stanley Kubrick's filmmaking career are on display in New York ahead of an auction of his personal archive.

Bonhams is previewing selected items through October 23 before a live sale in London on February 3, 2027, and an online auction ending February 4.

The collection includes more than 300 lots of props, costumes, photographs, research materials and personal belongings, said Claire Tole-Moir, head of the Popular Culture & Science Department at Bonhams.

Among the leading items is the original Star Child prop seen at the end of Kubrick's 1968 film "2001: A Space Odyssey." Bonhams estimates it will fetch $800,000 to $1.1 million.

Tole-Moir said its facial features were modeled on those of Dave Bowman, the astronaut whose transformation provides the film's final image.

A different kind of movie magic is evident in the ax used for the scene in which Jack Torrance kills Dick Hallorann in "The Shining."

Made from lightweight foam to resemble wood and metal, the prop has protruding bolts designed to puncture bags of fake blood, Tole-Moir said. Its estimate is $40,000 to $67,000.

Also on view is Kubrick's director's chair, which Tole-Moir said he used during "Full Metal Jacket," and his annotated copy of "Journey Beyond the Stars," an early treatment for "2001."

The document includes possible alternative titles and an ending without the Star Child, she said.

The New York display also features a black cloak from the secret society scenes in "Eyes Wide Shut."

Tole-Moir said Kubrick's range across genres, perfectionism and willingness to experiment with technology helped explain his enduring influence.

The matching blue dresses worn by the Grady sisters in "The Shining," estimated by Bonhams at $53,000 to $80,000, will be shown in Los Angeles in November. A Paris preview that month will feature material related to "Barry Lyndon," including costume designs and clapperboards, Tole-Moir said.

The complete sale will be exhibited at Bonhams in London from January 18 through February 3.

Bonhams said the items are being offered directly from the Stanley Kubrick Film Archives.

Camera: Andrew Hofstetter / Production, Editing, Writing: Roselle Chen/Reuters