Massive Trove of Harry Belafonte Memorabilia Up for Public sale

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Matthew Impelli is a Newsweek workers author based mostly in New York. His focus is reporting social points and crime. In January 2023, Matthew traveled to Moscow, Idaho the place he reported on the quadruple murders and arrest of Bryan Kohberger. Matthew joined Newsweek in 2019 after graduating from Syracuse College. He additionally acquired his grasp’s diploma from St. John’s College in 2021. You may get in contact with Matthew by emailing m.impelli@newsweek.com. Languages: English.

Matthew Impelli

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A group of almost 400 objects belonging to legendary singer, actor and activist Harry Belafonte will likely be up for bids at Julien’s Auctions on March 6.

The sale, titled “Harry Belafonte: A Man of Motion,” provides an intimate have a look at Belafonte’s private {and professional} legacy, with artifacts spanning his seven-decade profession in leisure and civil rights activism.

Why It Issues

Belafonte, who died in April 2023 at age 96, was a trailblazing performer and outspoken advocate for civil rights and humanitarian causes. His profession broke racial limitations in Hollywood and the music business, whereas his activism positioned him alongside figures just like the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.

The public sale is a chance for collectors, historians and followers to accumulate objects that performed a task in shaping Belafonte’s legacy.

What To Know

The public sale, hosted in collaboration with Turner Basic Films (TCM), will happen reside in Los Angeles and on-line. Highlights embrace private objects, musical artifacts, civil rights memorabilia and distinctive collectibles from Belafonte’s profession.

Among the many featured tons is Belafonte’s adjustable cane, a logo of his resilience and flexibility, which is estimated to fetch between $100 and $200, with a beginning bid of $25. Different notable objects embrace a signed lead sheet of “We Are the World,” that includes signatures from Bruce Springsteen, Lionel Richie, Cyndi Lauper and extra (estimated at $30,000-$50,000) and a Chesterfield leather-based couch from Belafonte’s New York residence, the place he hosted King (estimated at $3,000-$5,000).

Further objects up for public sale embrace:

• Preston Jackson lithograph titled “Sundowner,” featured within the documentary Following Harry ($200-$400 estimate).
• Lincoln Memorial bronze sculpture by Alva Studios, with an engraving from 1915 ($200,000-$300,000 estimate).
• Assortment of 4 awards recognizing Belafonte’s contributions to leisure and activism, together with the 1988 Provincia di Milano Award and the 2000 Amistad Award ($200,000-$300,000 estimate).
• Signed 1964 letter from King referencing Belafonte’s help of the Southern Christian Management Convention ($5,000-$7,000 estimate).
• Belafonte’s 1960 “Belafonte at Carnegie Corridor” Gold Report Award ($800-$1,200 estimate).
• A customized 14K gold Movado wristwatch, inscribed with a dedication to Belafonte from the Daughters of Jacob nursing house ($1,500-$2,000 estimate).

What Individuals Are Saying

Julien’s Auctions, in a press launch saying the public sale: “Julien’s Auctions and Turner Basic Films (TCM), the last word vacation spot for Hollywood memorabilia auctions, introduced right this moment, “HARRY BELAFONTE: A MAN OF ACTION,” their unique public sale occasion celebrating the legacy and influence of the Hollywood legend and cultural determine who channeled his groundbreaking profession and tremendous stardom to be a power for change.”

What Occurs Subsequent

Bidding for “Harry Belafonte: A Man of Motion” will start on March 6, with objects accessible for preview on the Julien’s Auctions web site. With items starting from iconic memorabilia to deeply private artifacts, the occasion is anticipated to draw important curiosity from collectors and establishments devoted to preserving Belafonte’s legacy.

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