You Can Own Colin Firth’s Wet Shirt From Pride & Prejudice Thanks To This Auction

Picture this: it’s 1995, the BBC’s Pride & Prejudice is playing on TV and all anyone can talk about is that infamous Colin Firth wet shirt scene. Now, let’s take a look at today: it’s 2024, the BBC’s Pride & Prejudice is streaming on iPlayer and all anyone can talk about is that infamous Colin Firth wet shirt scene – sound familiar? While we all love a good period drama binge, the reason Firth’s cheeky dip in the pond is causing a stir (once again) is because his shirt – now, sadly, dry – is about to go under the hammer for charity, alongside several other famous costumes from the entertainment industry. Fancy owning a slice of cinematic history? Here’s how to place your bids in the Lights Camera Auction sale.

Lights Camera Auction Sells Key Items From Cinematic History

More than 60 costumes from film and TV are going on sale today in Lights Camera Auction, with all proceeds going to arts education charity The Bright Foundation. Organised by Kerry Taylor Auctions and world renowned costume house Cosprop (founded by Academy & BAFTA award winning costume designer John Bright in 1965), the auction is set to feature a selection of beloved outfits and accessories worn onscreen by some of industry’s biggest performing talents.

A selection of costumes from Downton Abbey (2010-2015)

All of the costumes have been donated by Cosprop in support of The Bright Foundation, also established and funded by John Bright, so that it can continue its work providing free access to theatre shows, museum tours, visual and performance arts workshops for children facing disadvantages, as well as supporting creative career pathways for young people.

‘My life’s work has been committed to costume design for film, tv and theatre and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to pursue this path,’ said Bright. ‘It is my firmly held belief that the arts and creativity can shape happier and healthier children and enable young people to reach their full potential.’

Colin Firth in the BBC’s 1995 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice (c) BBC 1995

Alongside Firth’s infamous wet shirt (pictured above for your viewing convenience), other highlights from the Lights Camera Auction sale include:

• A vintage 1950’s Christian Dior taffeta ball gown, worn by Madonna in Evita (1996)
• Johnny Depp’s costume as Ichabod Crane in the film Sleepy Hollow (1999)
• Heath Ledger’s masquerade ball costume from Casanova (2005)
• The dress and hooded cape worn by Meryl Streep in The French Lieutenant’s Woman (1981)
• The winged dress worn by Drew Barrymore in Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998)

It’s also been confirmed that costumes from British shows like Downton Abbey, Peaky Blinders and Poldark will be available to bid on during the auction.

Drew Barrymore’s dress from Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998)

These costumes will go on sale on 5 March 2024 at Kerry Taylor Auctions in London, but there will also be an online auction running alongside until 10 March where other items from screen history will be up for grabs – consisting of over 40 lots, these span from unique film-related experiences, celebrity memorabilia and original artworks to designer fashion, jewellery, fine dining and hospitality packages. Online bidders will also have the chance to own a bespoke wedding dress or period costume designed by John Bright, which will be fitted and made by Cosprop. Other highlights from the virtual leg of the auction include:

• The signed, full final script for Love Actually donated by Richard Curtis and Emma Freud
• A set visit, including lunch, with Hugh Bonneville for four people to one of the actor’s upcoming filming projects
• Two admission tickets and Paddock passes for The Goodwood Revival 2024
• A limited edition pair of replica Star drum heads donated by Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason CBE (the originals appeared at The Hyde Park Free Concert, London on 18 July 1970)
• A very rare poster and programme for the Broadway theatre production (2015) of The Audience signed by Dame Helen Mirren
• An original self-portrait by Oscar winning actor Jim Broadbent as Scrooge on stage
• A rare limited edition (1 of 1) Give My Regards To Broad Street photographic print signed by Paul McCartney, wearing a Cosprop period costume, alongside Ringo Starr

‘This is a wonderful opportunity to own a piece of screen history, celebrity memorabilia, or the chance to enjoy unique experiences,’ commented auctioneer Kerry Taylor. ‘Having inspected linear miles of treasure-filled rails at Cosprop, I hand-picked a selection of costumes ranging in style from fantasy Renaissance to more mid20th century silhouettes, all worn by internationally renowned actors. The live auction event will appeal to serious Hollywood and tv period drama costume collectors, or those who just like to dress up! Whilst the online-only timed auction, will offer an eclectic range of lots, including one-of-a-kind experiences and personal items donated by the stellar list of celebrity Ambassadors and supporters of The Bright Foundation.’

(L to R) Johnny Depp’s costume from Sleepy Hollow (1999), Anya Taylor-Joy’s costume from Emma (2020) & Colin Firth’s costume from Pride & Prejudice (1995)

How To Place Bids

There will be both a live and online auction, where you can place bids on items in the Lights Camera Auction sale.

In Person

The live Lights Camera Auction will be held on 5 March 2024 at Kerry Taylor Auctions in London, as well as on the digital platform invaluable. invaluable.com

Address: 249-253 Long Lane, London SE1 4PR

Online

A timed online auction will also run from 22 February until 10 March 2024. kerrytaylorauctions.com

For more information, please visit lightscamera.auction