An auction held in Paris of personal items belonging to Brigitte Bardot, the late French film star and animal rights campaigner, generated nearly €1 million, far surpassing pre-sale estimates. The event featured a collection of 285 objects from her residences in Paris and Saint-Tropez, including dog collars, guitars, clothing, and furniture.
The auction house Millon reported that the total amount raised was almost 20 times the original valuation. About 3,000 bidders from around the world registered for the sale, which drew significant attention given Bardot’s legacy in both cinema and animal welfare.
Highlights From the Auction
Among the items sold were two dog collars with Bardot’s name and phone number, initially estimated at €30, which fetched €9,400 from a Russian bidder. A self-portrait painted by Bardot brought in nearly €40,000, while the typewriter she used for writing her autobiography sold for €4,634. Two guitars far exceeded expectations with final bids of €8,600 and €1,900, respectively. Additionally, three stuffed baby seal toys were sold for nearly €2,200.
Proceeds to Support Bardot’s Legacy
The money raised will benefit the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, which Bardot founded in 1986 to protect animal welfare. The foundation has reportedly helped rescue 13,000 animals through its centers and partnerships and supports numerous animal causes across 70 countries. The remaining funds will go to Bardot’s only son, Nicolas-Jacques Charrier.
Controversy Around the Sale
The auction engendered some dispute within Bardot’s circle. Her last husband, Bernard d’Ormale, criticized the sale as a “joke,” emphasizing that these were personal items and suggesting Bardot would not have consented to their public auction. He described the sale as a disrespect to her memory. The Bardot Foundation, however, defended the auction, noting that it had been approved by its board, which d’Ormale had chaired until recently. He claimed he was unaware that such personal belongings would be included in the sale.
