An auction of French screen legend Brigitte Bardot's personal items was held in Paris, fetching nearly one million euros. The sale, which included 285 objects from her homes in Saint-Tropez and Paris, generated significant enthusiasm among bidders. The items sold ranged from everyday accessories like straw hats and sunglasses to furniture and tableware. The auction was expected to fetch around 50,000 euros, but it exceeded estimates by almost 20 times.
The auction, which took place on Monday, had around 3,000 French and international bidders registered. The items sold included two dog collars with an ID tag bearing Bardot's name and phone number, which were sold for 9,400 euros to a Russian buyer. A self-portrait fetched nearly 40,000 euros, while the typewriter she used to write an autobiography sold for 4,634 euros. The proceeds from the sale will go to Bardot's animal welfare foundation and her only child, Nicolas-Jacques Charrier.
Brigitte Bardot's foundation, established in 1986, has taken in 13,000 animals through its shelters and partner facilities. It supports 350 groups in France and operates in 70 countries. The foundation's managing director, Ghyslaine Calmels, stated that the sale was a continuation of Bardot's efforts to support animal welfare. Bardot passed away in December at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy in the film industry and animal advocacy.
However, not everyone was in support of the auction. Bernard d'Ormale, Bardot's last husband, criticized the sale, calling it a "joke." He argued that the personal items should have been preserved as part of Bardot's legacy rather than sold to raise funds for the foundation. d'Ormale was removed as head of the foundation days before the auction, and he claimed he had not understood the extent of the items to be sold.
The Brigitte Bardot Foundation rejected d'Ormale's criticism, stating that the auction was approved by the board in June, including d'Ormale, who was then its president. The foundation emphasized that the sale would support Bardot's animal welfare efforts. Auctioneer Alexandre Millon noted that Bardot had once again proved to be a remarkable alchemist, transforming a low estimate into a significant sum.
Some of the notable items sold at the auction included two guitars that soared to 8,600 and 11,900 euros, and three stuffed toys representing baby seals that sold for nearly 2,200 euros. The sale demonstrated the enduring popularity of Bardot and her commitment to animal welfare. The funds raised will support the foundation's continued efforts in animal advocacy and welfare.
The auction's success has highlighted Bardot's lasting impact on both the film industry and animal welfare. The Brigitte Bardot Foundation will continue to support animal welfare initiatives, and the funds raised from the auction will contribute to its efforts. The sale has also sparked a conversation about the legacy of celebrities and the importance of supporting charitable causes.
Key points
- The auction fetched nearly €1 million, exceeding estimates by almost 20 times.
- The proceeds will go to Brigitte Bardot's animal welfare foundation and her only child.
- The auction included 285 objects from Bardot's homes in Saint-Tropez and Paris.
