In a historic move, The Jim Henson Company will auction off a treasure trove of puppets, props, and memorabilia from the legendary career of its founder, Jim Henson, this fall. The collection, featuring more than 400 items from beloved children’s shows like Fraggle Rock and The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, marks the first time the company has opened its archives for public sale. The announcement, made on Wednesday, coincided with what would have been Henson’s 89th birthday, adding a poignant note to the occasion as the company celebrates its 70th anniversary.
The auction, managed by California-based Julien’s Auctions, will showcase an array of items that highlight Henson’s unparalleled creativity. Among the standout pieces is a full-body puppet of Naia Drenchen Gelfling from The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, valued at an estimated $15,000 to $25,000. Other items include costumes, set pieces, posters, and autographed memorabilia, such as calendars signed by the iconic Miss Piggy. These artifacts, carefully curated from tens of thousands of pieces in the company’s archives, reflect the whimsical and groundbreaking artistry that defined Henson’s work.
Henson, who passed away in 1990 at age 53, left an indelible mark on entertainment with his creation of the Muppets, including cherished characters like Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and the Swedish Chef. His innovative puppetry extended to Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, and cinematic achievements like The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, which captivated audiences in the 1980s. Each piece in the auction represents a fragment of Henson’s legacy, offering collectors and fans a rare opportunity to own a piece of television and film history.
The auction will unfold in two phases: online bidding starts on October 22, followed by a live event on November 25. To complement the sale, The Jim Henson Company is releasing a collector’s catalog showcasing every item, providing a detailed glimpse into the archive’s offerings. Karen Falk, the company’s archives director, oversaw the selection process, ensuring a diverse representation of Henson’s contributions to puppetry and storytelling.
While this auction marks a new chapter, the Henson family has long shared its legacy with the public. Over the years, iconic creations like the original Kermit, crafted from Henson’s mother’s green coat and pingpong balls, were donated to the Smithsonian Institution. In 2013, an early version of Miss Piggy and other Muppet Show characters found a home at the National Museum of American History. This auction, however, offers a broader range of items, making it a landmark event for Muppet enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
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