Omaha, NE – June 25, 2015 – While Shirley Temple, the famously dimpled child star danced, sang and smiled her way into hearts throughout the Great Depression years of the 1930s, her mother, Gertrude Temple, was busy preserving the memorabilia that attended her daughter’s more than 40 films of the decade. Film costumes, props, celebrity gifts, dolls, toys, playthings, all were cherished and carefully saved by Shirley and her family for some 80 years…until today.
Theriault’s, the world’s leader for important childhood objects, will auction the entire collection which spans her famed childhood years, 1928-1940 in an extraordinary event being held in Kansas City at the famed Little Theatre on July 14th. Gertrude Temple’s painstaking work in preserving her daughter’s historic collection will provide fans worldwide with an intimate look into the life and work of “America’s Little Darling.” The auction and commemorative book, entitled “Love, Shirley Temple” will also have a full day preview on July 13th where, for the first time ever, all of the nearly 600 items will be shown together.
The collection includes: a child-sized racing car given to Shirley by her close friend and co-star Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, a Steinway baby-grand piano inscribed to her by, Theodore Steinway on behalf of his family, her extraordinary autograph books, and a myriad of Shirley’s own cherished dolls, playthings and signed letters and photos from such luminaries as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, Irving Berlin, Noel Coward, Marlene Dietrich and Orson Welles. In addition, Shirley Temple’s most recognizable movie costumes will be viewed for the first time including: the iconic red polka dot dress from her breakout film “Stand Up and Cheer,” the complete Scottish-kilt outfit from director John Ford’s classic “Wee Willie Winkie,” and the instantly recognizable Dutch costume from her most popular film “Heidi.” The exhibition will also include many paintings and illustrations done for her by famed artists, animators and cartoonists of the period.
The family of Shirley Temple states “The legacy of our mother’s unique and legendary contribution to screen entertainment is embodied in these lovingly preserved artifacts of a childhood like few others in history. We believe that, just as the celluloid magic of her youth continues to captivate and enrich successive generations, these artifacts should now be shared across the world with collectors, fans and museums as tangible reminders of this child-star’s irrepressibly joyful and optimistic persona.”
Says Stuart Holbrook, President of Theriault’s, “As the leader in the preservation and auction of historic childhood objects, we are pleased to be offering such a personal collection from easily the most iconic youth of the 20th century. “
During the 1930’s and early 1940’s, Shirley Temple’s childhood rise to enduring stardom was unprecedented in Hollywood. From 1935 through 1938, in fact, Shirley Temple was indisputably the box office champion – a feat that has never been matched. Her smile, charm, and fifty-six curls are considered by many to have played an important role in lifting America from the Great Depression. As Franklin Delano Roosevelt was oft quoted saying, “As long as our country has Shirley Temple, we will be all right.”
The live auction event is open to the public for exhibit on July 13th from 12:00PM until 8:00PM and, the auction, on July 14th is open to the public with pre-reservation. All may, as well, participate via live Internet bidding through Theriault’s partner Proxibid including the placing of secure prebids via the online version of the catalog. In addition, everyone is welcome to arrange phone or absentee bids directly with Theriault’s.
A commemorative hardbound book will feature nearly 600 items and will serve both as an historical keepsake of the collection and as a presentation for the auction. The diversity of items will appeal to every level of collector. The book can be pre-ordered at www.theriaults.com.
About Theriault’s
Founded in 1970, Theriault’s is the largest auction house in the world dealing exclusively in antique childhood objects. Conducting over 40 live auctions annually across the U.S. they cater to an international clientele of collectors for what is considered to be one of the top 5 most popular collectibles categories. Theriault’s has set numerous records in this field including the recent American record of $310,000.00 paid for an early 20th century French doll by Albert Marque.
About Proxibid
Proxibid provides asset owners of all sizes and buyers with access to the world’s most trusted online marketplace and selling solutions for excess inventory. More than $3 billion in inventory passes through Proxibid’s marketplace annually in product categories that include real estate; fine art, antiques and collectibles, and more.
Founded in 2001, Proxibid is headquartered in Omaha, NE with offices in New York and London. For more information about Proxibid, please visit www.proxibid.com.