Stephen Hawking’s Bizarre Bid‑Night: From Whimsical Wardrobes to Cosmic Classics
When the world’s most famous dead‑scientist’s personal stash hit the auction block in London, it didn’t just generate money—it sparked curiosity, nostalgia, and a flurry of laughs. Below is a whirlwind tour of the highlights that made Christie’s the place to be.
Mission‑Impossible Items That Made a Splash
- Hawking’s own “PhD Thesis”: 5 out of 5 original copies were up for grabs, but only one saw the light of day. Its shaky signature and handwritten math made it the star of the house, snapping up a cool $758,888—almost four times its pre‑sale estimate.
- The red leather “Wheelchair of Champions”: Those glistening days of solo, joystick‑driven sprints ended up for $385,122—a nod to Hawkin’s determination.
- A signed copy of “A Brief History of Time”: With a thumbprint in the margins, this early edition fetched nearly $90,000 from the big league fans.
- A “Simpsons” script: One of twenty‑two tumblers, a fan favorite that survived the auction on its own terms for around $8,100.
- The “Invitation to Time‑Travel”: A light‑hearted prank from Hawking turned out to be a hit, going for more than ten times its $130 estimate.
- Bomber jacket from 2016 documentary: Mainstream cosplay at its best, selling for $51,912.
Gold‑Nested Gifts & Milestones
- Medals & honors: From the Royal Astronomical Society to other prestigious awards, this bundle landed at £296,750 (≈S$529,305).
- All items combined: The whole auction celebrated Hawking’s life with a whopping $1,796,966 raised.
Why the Sale Meshes with the Mars of Grief
Stephen Hawking passed away in March at 76—after a gripping battle against ALS, a disease with the tenacity of a bad sci‑fi plot twist. His daughter, Lucy Hawking, said, “Christie’s helped us preserve our father’s legacy and give fans a tangible slice of his life.”
What Happens to the Money?
The proceeds go to the family. The wheelchair’s funds are earmarked for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, while the rest beats the headline as a gift to the Stephen Hawking Foundation.
And the Final Word
Although the auction showcased only a fraction of the genius’s archive, the family is donating it to the public in lieu of serving up that pesky inheritance tax. Where it will be stored remains a mystery—but one thing’s clear: Hawking’s legacy is still flying high in every sense.
