All of us at The Jim Henson Company are excited to open our vaults and share a sampling of treasures representing seventy years of astonishing feats of puppetry, filmmaking, and world building. This anniversary merits celebration, and it has inspired us to reach out to our fans and give them a chance to connect with the Henson story through public events, exhibits, special merchandise, and behind the scenes videos. Now, for the very first time, we are selecting artifacts and ephemera to auction, providing a tactile and personal way to experience the artistry, humor, and joy that is part of our creative legacy.

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From the beginning, Jim Henson understood that objects could have great power to tell stories and convey emotions. He picked up forms of foam and fleece, brought them to life, and mesmerized his audiences. Decades later, his characters and hundreds more created by his collaborators and successors continue to delight and amaze. They live in worlds designed especially for them, decorated with customized props and set dressing.

Tremendous care is taken with all aspects of production and promotion of each project to ensure audiences are transported at every interaction to a carefully imagined place.

Even off screen, these objects hold the power to inspire and astonish those who encounter them. Since the 1980s, fans have crowded into museum exhibits to see Henson characters in person. Behind the scenes, the Company curated an archive which has grown to tens of thousands of 3-D items, artwork, and documents, representing the creative output of the Company and Jim Henson’s professional journey. In recent years, puppets and props of deep historical significance were chosen and donated to major museums, ensuring that they are preserved for future generations. Collaborations with Museum of the Moving Image in New York, the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, the Academy Museum in Los Angeles, MoPop in Seattle, and other educational organizations, have resulted in ongoing exhibits and events that explore every aspect of our work.

My hope still is to leave the world a bit better than when I got here.
Jim Henson

Private collectors of pop culture also understand the value of saving and showcasing authentic production and personal objects and know the feeling of connection and awe that comes from holding them in their hands. Until now, the ability to obtain an authentic Henson item from our vault for a personal collection has been almost impossible. With this auction, we are providing an opportunity to bring a piece of Henson history home.

While this grouping of puppets, props, ephemera, and personal items represents just a tiny fraction of what is in our archives and the museum collections, we have made an effort to present materials from across the Company’s history that showcase the craftmanship and imagination inherent to our work and that will be meaningful to fans.

We are particularly pleased to offer a large group of beautiful characters, costumes, and props from Emmy-winning The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. The 10-episode series required hundreds of designers, costumers, and builders to populate the extraordinary world of Thra and a talented art department to create the props and set dressing. The attention to detail and care in construction coupled with incredible performances, writing, and music made for a fully formed and believable world.

Life's like a movie, write your own ending. Keep believing, keep pretending.
Jim Henson

In addition, we are offering several puppets from the beloved series Fraggle Rock. As a show that was conceived to teach tolerance, conflict resolution and respect for differences – in other words, to teach children to get along and, when they grow up, make a more peaceful world – it was especially important to Jim Henson. The themes of Fraggle Rock continue to be essential to the work of The Jim Henson Company today, and the new series, Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, amplifies them for new audiences. Sharing characters from the original through this auction is another way we are extending the reach of Jim’s vision.

The inspiring life Jim Henson led continues to resonate with creative and caring people around the globe. For that reason, the Henson Family is making a group of his personal items available to collectors. These special pieces provide a window into Jim’s personality, his artistic sensibility and his deep connections with other creators and screen innovators. The family of Sesame Street performer Caroll Spinney is also eager to share his optimism and talents as a visual artist and have included drawings and paintings by him in the sale.

As we look forward to new Henson productions and how they will expand our archival collections, it is wonderful to take a moment to examine where we have been. We hope that those of you who acquire the items offered here will find a meaningful connection to our creative legacy and find inspiration to build a positive future.

-Karen Falk

Archives Director,
The Jim Henson Company

This limited catalogue also provides an opportunity for a special keepsake for your collection.