A highly anticipated event for film enthusiasts took place recently in Beverly Hills. Julien’s Auctions, in collaboration with Turner Classic Movies, hosted an auction featuring personal belongings of the late director David Lynch. Held at the luxurious five-star Peninsula Beverly Hills Hotel, the event drew significant attention from Lynch fans and collectors alike. It was also streamed online for viewers around the globe.
Nearly 450 lots were sold, bringing in a total of $4.25 million.
The diverse collection included items from Lynch’s film sets, props, and memorabilia from his iconic works such as Twin Peaks, Mulholland Drive, Eraserhead, Dune, and Inland Empire, along with pieces from unfinished projects. Also featured were personal items from Lynch’s everyday life—musical instruments, audio recording equipment, visual art, furniture, home décor, appliances, and photographs.
A standout moment of the auction was the sale of Lynch’s iconic red leather director’s chair, complete with his name in yellow on the backrest. It sold for $91,000. The highest-selling item was a folder containing 11 scripts for Lynch’s unfinished film Ronnie Rocket: The Absurd Mystery of the Strange Forces of Existence, which fetched $195,000.
Other notable sales included the script for the neo-noir film Lost Highway, as well as drafts and notes for Mulholland Drive. The 96-page script from 1998 featured handwritten notes for producer and editor Mary Sweeney and sold for $104,000. Two original draft scripts of Twin Peaks, dated January 23, 1988, totaling 101 pages, also found buyers. A 35mm film reel of Lynch’s groundbreaking debut Eraserhead was sold as well.
Fans of Mulholland Drive snagged the Winkie’s diner menu for $7,800 and an original diptych portrait of Naomi Watts and Laura Harring for $16,250.
In addition to his cinematic achievements, Lynch was known for his deep love of coffee. His personal La Marzocco GS/3 espresso machine sold for $45,500, and his Mazzer Mini Commercial Espresso grinder went for $7,800. One fan even purchased his custom Log Lady mug—crafted and painted by Edmonton-based potter and artist Kirsty Ball—for an impressive $11,700.
