Dec 15, 2023 10:00 EST
Stage & Screen
5172
An inscribed photograph of a young Leonard Bernstein with his beloved Doberman
BERNSTEIN, LEONARD
Group of signed items. Including an inscribed vintage gelatin silver print of a young Leonard Bernstein with his Doberman, dated 1950 and signed "B," with the original envelope in Bernstein's hand addressing this to Bill Dillon. 5 1/2 x 4 inches (14 x 11 cm), light handling crease; A 1947 card with manuscript note from Bernstein, with the envelope addressed to William Dillon, the New Year's card with the note "Thanks for something I've really been wanting! All the Best, L."; and a later signature of the maestro on a yellow slip, presented above a portrait; Together with a typed letter signed and two signed notes from Helen Coates, Bernstein's piano teacher and private secretary, all to Bill Dillon and dated 1949-50, the typed letter with interesting content about Israel "The Israelis are, I believe, the most musical people in the world.... Loving the country and the people, and their wonderful spirit and courage, as I do, I am very eager to do something constructive about their musical needs..."
Such early and casual photographs of Bernstein are rare, particularly personal photographs with his beloved Doberman. We trace items sent to Bernstein from Bill Dillon in the Bernstein papers at the Library of Congress. A Leonard Bernstein biopic, titled Maestro and starring Bradley Cooper as the great conductor, is slated for release later this year.
Please note that Bernstein is here pictured with a Doberman and not a Dachshund as stated in the catalogue!
Sold for $693
Estimated at $800 - $1,200
Includes Buyer's Premium
BERNSTEIN, LEONARD
Group of signed items. Including an inscribed vintage gelatin silver print of a young Leonard Bernstein with his Doberman, dated 1950 and signed "B," with the original envelope in Bernstein's hand addressing this to Bill Dillon. 5 1/2 x 4 inches (14 x 11 cm), light handling crease; A 1947 card with manuscript note from Bernstein, with the envelope addressed to William Dillon, the New Year's card with the note "Thanks for something I've really been wanting! All the Best, L."; and a later signature of the maestro on a yellow slip, presented above a portrait; Together with a typed letter signed and two signed notes from Helen Coates, Bernstein's piano teacher and private secretary, all to Bill Dillon and dated 1949-50, the typed letter with interesting content about Israel "The Israelis are, I believe, the most musical people in the world.... Loving the country and the people, and their wonderful spirit and courage, as I do, I am very eager to do something constructive about their musical needs..."
Such early and casual photographs of Bernstein are rare, particularly personal photographs with his beloved Doberman. We trace items sent to Bernstein from Bill Dillon in the Bernstein papers at the Library of Congress. A Leonard Bernstein biopic, titled Maestro and starring Bradley Cooper as the great conductor, is slated for release later this year.
Please note that Bernstein is here pictured with a Doberman and not a Dachshund as stated in the catalogue!
Auction: Stage & Screen, Dec 15, 2023
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Third Annual Stage & Screen Auction on December 15, 2023 Surpasses Expectations!
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Art, Memorabilia, Autographs & Photographs of the Theater, Hollywood, Music and Dance
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Held in Collaboration with the Entertainment Community Fund
NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle's third annual Stage & Screen auction on December 15, 2023 attracted determined competition from collectors and fans around the world resulting in a sale total that surpassed expectations! Held in collaboration with the Entertainment Community Fund, the auction offered artwork, memorabilia, props, autographs and photographs from the vast history of the performing arts: Theater, Hollywood, Music and Dance.
Recognizing the importance of the performing arts to the fabric of New York, and the terrible toll the pandemic and recent strikes have taken on the entertainment community, Doyle is proud to donate 10% of our profit from this auction to the Entertainment Community Fund.
Highlighting the sale was an important 1969 letter and drawing from rock legend Freddie Mercury to Ibex bandmate Mick "Miffer" Smith that soared past its $12,000-18,000 estimate to achieve $50,400. Penned a year before forming Queen, Mercury discusses seeing Led Zeppelin, his sexuality, his songwriting, and his early bands’, Ibex and Wreckage, upcoming performances. The letter is a tour-de-force of descriptive thought and shows his growing passion for writing music.
The Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund)
A special section of the auction comprising lots 5001 - 5019 featured celebrity memorabilia presented by the Entertainment Community Fund. While a portion of proceeds from every item in the auction benefited the Fund, 100% of the hammer price of the lots in this section goes entirely to the Entertainment Community Fund.
A highlight of this section was the stunning pink double-breasted velvet tuxedo jacket worn by Daniel Craig to the world premiere of No Time To Die at London's Royal Albert Hall on September 28, 2021. With competition from both sides of the Atlantic, the tuxedo jacket sold for $10,710, more than doubling its $3,000-5,000 estimate.
Founded in 1882, the Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund) is a national 501(c)(3) charitable organization for performing arts and entertainment professionals. The Fund helps address the specific needs of those in the industry, with a unique understanding of the challenges involved in a life in the arts. Read More ►
We Invite You to Auction!
Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for a free auction estimate.
For information, please contact Peter Costanzo at 212-427-4141, ext 248, or email Peter.Costanzo@Doyle.com
