Press Release
More than 250 screen-used puppets, maquettes, paint test models, props, set pieces, and original concept and production art from LAIKA, the visionary 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, CA on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015.
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 the movie 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 $5,000+, brought a jaw-dropping 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, with amazing enthusiasm.”
“We’re so pleased by the support from animation fans around the world,” said Travis Knight, LAIKA’s President & 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. That’s really at the core of LAIKA’s mission as well, and we’re deeply grateful that our work has resonated so strongly with so many.”
The original hand-drawn art of LAIKA – from concept drawings to character designs – was also in great demand at the auction, with Coraline Coraline’s House Concept Original Artwork (LAIKA, 2009), an original concept drawing of Coraline’s house in a night setting – the Pink Palace – set in Ashland, OR. After many rounds of bidding it realized an impressive $3,585 price.
Other highlights of the auction, and their final prices, included:
- ParaNorman Norman Original Animation Puppet: $28,680
- The Boxtrolls Archibald Snatcher Original Animation Puppet: $23,900
- Coraline Coraline in Orange Pajamas Original Animation Puppet: $22,705
- Coraline The Cat Original Animation Puppet: $17,925
- ParaNorman Mitch Downe Original Animation Puppet: $17,925
- The Boxtrolls Winnie Portley-Rind Original Animation Puppet: $16,730
Heritage Auctions is the largest auction house founded in the United States and the world’s third largest, with annual sales of more than $900 million, and 900,000+ online bidder members. For more information about Heritage Auctions, and to join and receive access to a complete record of prices realized, with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit HA.com.
