Props auctioned from The Crown to create new legacy scholarship programme at NFTS

The award-winning series, The Crown, is one of Netflix’s most prestigious and acclaimed shows. Over a decade, it has been meticulously crafted by a gifted crew, with key contributions from more than 60 alumni from the National Film and Television School (NFTS). Their collective talents in sound design, VFX, composition, art direction, editing and beyond have woven magic across six series, truly helping to define the essence of this iconic show.

The NFTS and Left Bank Pictures are thrilled that as the final series of The Crown streams globally, Bonhams has announced a once-in-a-lifetime auction of close to 450 props, furniture, and costumes – including those inspired by Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation Robes and Diana’s ‘Revenge’ dress – from all six series of The Crown, written and created by Peter Morgan and produced by Left Bank Pictures and Sony Pictures Television.

Proceeds from the Bonhams live sale will go towards establishing the Left Bank Pictures –The Crown Scholarship programme at the National Film and Television School which has training sites across the UK in Buckinghamshire, London, Leeds, Scotland and Wales.

The programme will support dozens of students to attend the National Film and Television School over the next 20 years, enabling them to receive the specialised training the School is globally renowned for.

Exclusively benefitting UK students, the scholarships will ensure the NFTS can continue to foster the next generation of film and television talent in a variety of behind the camera craft specialisations, from Editing and Composition to Directing and Production Design. NFTS alumni who have worked on The Crown include Composer Martin Phipps, Editor Úna Ní Dhonghaíle, Art Director Ian Crossland, VFX Supervisor Dillan Nicholls, Senior Compositor Saruta Puff Pisanwalerd and Sound Mixer Nina Rice among many others.

A live sale of approximately 150 lots will take place on Wednesday 7 February 2024 at Bonhams in London, with an online auction of around 300 lots commencing on 30 January to 8 February on bonhams.com.

The ambition and attention to detail of The Crown’s costumes, props and sets is central to the deserved acclaim the series has received. Additional items to be auctioned in aid of the National Film and Television School will include Princess Diana’s leopard print swimsuit and Versace sunglasses worn in the first episode of the final season, two Beswick corgi models, the Number 10 Downing Street facade and front door, a replica of the famous wrought-iron gates of Buckingham Palace alongside the world’s only reproduction of the Queen’s Coronation carriage and Princess Diana’s engagement ring.

Jon Wardle, Director of the National Film and Television School, said: “We are thrilled that future talent flowing from the National Film and Television School (NFTS) will benefit from the exceptional items generously donated by Left Bank Pictures and The Crown. Since its inception, the dedicated craftsmanship of over 60 NFTS alumni has been pivotal in bringing such an iconic series to life.  The proceeds from the auction will play a crucial role in supporting life-changing scholarships, ensuring the next generation of film and television makers are given the opportunity to benefit from our world-renowned training, paying forward The Crown’s legacy for many years to come.”

Andy Harries, Chief Executive of Left Bank Pictures and Executive Producer of The Crown, added: “It has been a privilege for me and all at Left Bank Pictures to have been at the heart of The Crown. Its huge global success has much to do with working with the best creative and production talent in this country and we want to invest the proceeds of this magnificent auction into the next generation of film and TV talent. The NFTS has been part of The Crown’s history from the start with many of its graduates contributing to the production of the show over the years. I have long admired the ethos and training of the school and supported it personally. So I am thrilled that the legacy of The Crown will be to provide so much financial support for so many students at the NFTS over the next few decades. With their unrivalled knowledge and expertise in Film and Entertainment memorabilia, Bonhams was the sole choice of partners for us. Their specialists’ excitement, vision and passion for The Crown Auction was evident from the start.”

NFTS alumni who helped bring The Crown to life highlighted why scholarships are so key to ushering in new talent to the industry:

“It’s really important that the NFTS attracts all sorts of people from all backgrounds. Your financial circumstances shouldn’t limit your opportunities.” Daniel Greenway, Editor

“Scholarships are really important to the future of the industry. It gives students the ability to focus on their course and their craft and not have to worry about funding.” Nina Rice, Sound Mixer

“Scholarships are a way to level up the opportunities for people who come from different backgrounds. Removing the financial burden for many, they are a blessing.” Paulo Pandolpho, Editor

Details on how to apply to become a Left Bank Pictures – The Crown scholar will be announced once February’s auction has taken place at Bonhams.