Have you ever watched Colin Firth stride across a field in a soaking wet shirt in the iconic scene from the 1995 drama Pride and Prejudice? Well, that very shirt has just fetched an eye-watering sum at auction.
A Memorable Scene in Pride and Prejudice
In the beloved TV series adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel, Firth portrayed the character of Fitzwilliam Darcy. One of the most memorable moments from the show is when Darcy, played by Firth, surprises Elizabeth Bennet, played by Jennifer Ehle, in a wet shirt after a swim in the lake at his estate, Pemberley.
The shirt, which became an instant sensation, was worn by Firth and has now been sold for a staggering £20,000. The auction, hosted by Kerry Taylor Auctions in London, raised a total of £285,300.
A Charity Haven
Firth’s shirt was generously donated to raise funds for The Bright Foundation, an arts education charity. The costume house responsible for the donation is none other than Cosprop, founded in 1965 by the renowned Oscar and Bafta-winning designer John Bright.
A Night of Record-Breaking Sales
The auction not only featured Firth’s iconic shirt but also showcased an impressive array of other notable costumes. Madonna’s vintage 1950s Christian Dior taffeta ball gown from the film Evita sold for £40,000, while Johnny Depp’s Sleepy Hollow costume fetched £24,000.
Celebrities Galore
Costumes worn by numerous stars made appearances in the auction, including those donned by Julie Andrews, Jude Law, Tom Hardy, Gwyneth Paltrow, Judi Dench, Scarlett Johansson, Nicole Kidman, Keira Knightley, Daniel Radcliffe, Alan Rickman, Margot Robbie, Elizabeth Taylor, and Renée Zellweger.
The online-only portion of the auction, featuring a fresh batch of items, is open until March 10. So, if you’re a fan of movie memorabilia, now is your chance to grab a piece of cinematic history.
To read more about the auction and its sales, visit F5mag.com.
Images: Alamy / PA / AP