“Sorcerer’s Stone” Robe Worn by Daniel Radcliffe, Owned by Robin Williams to Be Auctioned
Another precious piece of Harry Potter movie memorabilia is going up for auction next month: a Gryffindor robe worn by Daniel Radcliffe in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The costume is being sold by auction house Sotheby’s as part of the collection of the late actor Robin Williams.
Williams himself was eager to join the cast of Harry Potter and reached out to director and producer Chris Columbus hoping to land the role of Hagrid. He was turned down, of course, due to the requirement of an all-British cast. He spoke to the New York Post about it in 2001:
There were a couple of parts I would have wanted to play, but there was a ban on American actors. Maybe one day, say if [Harry] goes to Yale and becomes president.
(In retrospect, these words beg the question, would Williams have embraced the chance to join Fantastic Beasts?)
Williams and Columbus were friends, having worked together on Mrs. Doubtfire and Bicentennial Man. When Columbus put the Gryffindor robe up for auction at a benefit for Schools of the Sacred Heart and UCSF Children’s Hospital in 2001, Williams made the winning bid.
The robe now has an estimated value of $10,000 to $15,000.
The auction is taking place on October 4 in New York in benefit of a number of Williams and his wife’s favorite charities, with the Gryffindor robe being sold to benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. A public exhibition of the collection can be seen starting September 29 at Sotheby’s York Avenue galleries.
Most costumes and props from the Potter films are kept as part of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, but we do see the occasional item appear for auction to collectors. Earlier this year, some Gryffindor common room armchairs sold for £4,200. Last year, Ron’s Howler from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets sold for £7,500, while Harry’s Hogwarts acceptance letter went for a whopping £30,000.
We’ll be sure to update you with the winning bid!
