Buy a work of art by one of the key artists of the 21st century or buy an object that belonged to one of the most famous actors of a generation. Which one to decide on? For those who participated in the auction of Matthew Perry’s estate, there was no need to make a decision: the two went hand in hand. This Friday, held by the Heritage Auctions house, it allowed both, because, for those who arrived with a well-loaded wallet, they were able to buy scripts and personal objects of the late interpreter, from cocktail shakers to posters, chairs, books, old mobile phones or Lego pieces, as well. But also works by Pablo Picasso, Rob Pruitt, Greg Miller and, most especially, two by the British artist Banksy. And one of them has exceeded a million dollars. The total sale of the auction has achieved $2,216,000.
The , made up of two quadrants measuring 30.5 by 30.5 centimeters, dated and signed by the artist on the back and purchased by Perry in November 2008, started at 400,000 dollars, to be finally sold for 950,000, settling with fees and taxes for a total of 1,187,500 dollars (1,030,000 euros, at the exchange rate). It was the most valued of the entire catalog, the one in which Perry’s house and family had the most hopes, and it has exceeded expectations. In addition, another small Banksy print called , also signed by the creator and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, has been sold. It started at 20,000 dollars and was sold for 95,000 (118,750 with taxes; 103,000 euros). There was also a small engraving by Picasso, The dance of the faunsfrom 1957, which sold for $4,400 ($5,500 with taxes).
As explained in the auction catalogue, Perry began collecting art quite late in his life, and had a special taste for contemporary art. He himself admired the British Banksy, but they never met in person. “I have never met him, but I would like him to know that, if there was a fire, my banksy It would be what saved. “I wonder if he would care… (in fact, he would probably set himself on fire),” he then commented, with his acid humor.
Another of the most valued pieces of the auction was the script, specifically the penultimate episode, titled The Last One: Part I. With the yellow cover and signed by the six members of the main cast of the series, it started at $24,000, and finally sold for $75,000 (with taxes $93,750, 81,000 euros). Curiously, it almost ended in half: the auction house closed the sale when it was going for $38,000, thinking that no one was offering more. However, there was a bet that had not entered the system due to an internet failure and that offered 40,000. It has been accepted, the sale has gone ahead and the price has continued to rise and rise until it has doubled.
There have been a few more that have also achieved very good prices. For example, the first episode of the series, which started at 4,600 and has managed to raise 21,000 dollars (18,000 euros). Also another version of the pilot episode, when the fiction was about to be called Six of One (as read on the cover, also signed by its actors), has managed to reach a total of 52,000 dollars (45,000 euros).
In addition to musical instruments, old movie posters (like one of Rocky signed by Sylvester Stallone, for $13,750), photos and caricatures of Friendsthe famous one from Monica’s house (a replica that all the actors received shortly after starting the series, and which has raised $40,000), many objects related to Batman have been sold, of which Perry was a big fan. So much so that his pool – in which he was found – had the famous superhero symbol at the bottom, and it even lit up. In addition to comics, prints, dolls, mugs and even a watch, two tickets have been sold for the future premiere of Batman II in 2027, on loan from Warner Brothers. The two attendees will be able to see the film and attend its after-party for the modest price of $40,000 (34,000 euros).
It impacted her family, her colleagues and friends, and the entire world. Even more so when it was learned that it had been caused by an overdose of ketamine, which had also been supplied by some of the people closest to him, from doctors to his personal assistant – five people have been convicted this year for his death. Perry, then just 54 years old, had already been through . Hence his family, very aware of the cause, to help people who suffer from addictions. Now they will be able to do much more for them, having another two million dollars under their belt.
