A Confluence of Past and Present Glamour: Sir Roger Moore’s Legacy Enlivens the Auction House
Imagine a scenario where you saunter into Bonhams auction house, anticipating nothing beyond a graceful event, bathed in the lingering charm of the late Sir Roger Moore, and instead being confronted with what appears to be a palpable ghost of 007 — in stereo.
Such was the enchanting tableau awaiting attendees last evening, as Moore’s mirror-image sons, Geoffrey and Christian, were present among a treasure trove of cinematic relics, their visages eerily reverberating the ineffable mien of Bond, unequivocally, James Bond.
Story continues below…
A Spectral Encore: The Moore Visage Lives On
The veil between the epoch of Moore’s debonair secret agent, and today’s tangible reality seemed diaphanously thin as the late actor’s personal cinematic arsenal found itself splayed for perusal and bidding at the famed auction house.
Sir Roger Moore, who sadly parted from us in 2019, left an indelible mark with his multi-faceted performances from 1973’s Live and Let Die to the 1985 high-octane A View to a Kill all via the depths of the seas to outer space.
His legacy, however, finds a resounding echo not just in his cinematic exploits, but poignantly through his offspring, Geoffrey and Christian, who through their own creative endeavors and striking paternal resemblance, continue to kindle the Moore charisma.
Barbara Broccoli, the noted Bond producer, lent her presence to the launch, presiding over a sumptuous array of 180 items, among them a tuxedo caressed by the very contours of Moore in A View to a Kill.
The Moore brothers, despite their respective laudable achievements – Geoffrey’s rhythmic dalliances in music and Christian’s actor-director credits like The Gold Bracelet (2006) and Light from the East (2005) – found themselves momentarily eclipsed by the aura of their revered father.
Geoffrey, during his speech, adeptly stitched together the diverse roles Moore played both on and off-screen – “a father, a friend, debonair movie star, and ambassador”, summarizing him as “all four seasons all in one day”.
Memorabilia and Elegance: Auctioning a Cinematic Legacy
Lovers of elegance and cinematic history can seek solace in items such as Moore’s silk ties and cravats, starting at a mere £1000, offering a tangible piece of the star’s signature style. Additionally, a cache of 20 Swatch wristwatches, housed in a Bond-themed suitcase, and a Gucci contacts book, whispering the names of Sir Paul McCartney and Princess Margaret, await new homes.
With tantalizing items that promise to stir bidders as robustly as Bond’s preferred Martinis – including an Omega “50 Years of 007” limited edition watch, expected to harness upwards of £30,000, and a film programme for Octopussy, emblazoned by Moore’s autograph in 1983 – the auction, commemorating the golden anniversary of Live and Let Die, is set to be as evocative and thrilling as the filmography it celebrates.
The cloak of Moore’s aesthetic, represented by a navy cashmere double-breasted Chesterfield coat tailored for Live and Let Die, and a gamut of signed Bond posters from global corners, is set to embrace a new custodian at prices reaching up to £10,000.
A Charitable Toast to the Cinematic Past
Embracing a charitable spirit, a portion of the projected £400,000 proceeds will find its way to altruistic endeavors. The nostalgic and opulent array of items will cascade under the hammer at 1pm GMT tomorrow (4 October), marrying past glamour with present philanthropy.
