LONDON.- From passionate love letters and iconic cinematic costumes to the objects behind some of the best-loved stories in literature, Love & Lust: A Literary Guide brings together an irresistible selection of works celebrating the many expressions of love, romance and desire. Taking place at Christie's London on 9 December 2026, the live auction comprises approximately 30 books, manuscripts, autograph letters and original works, spanning centuries of passion in cultural history.
A gown that stole the scene
Few costumes have made quite the impression of the emerald gown (estimate: 100,000–120,000) worn by Keira Knightley as Cecilia Tallis in Atonement. Designed by Jacqueline Durran, the gown has become synonymous with one of cinema's most memorable romantic moments. Adapted from Ian McEwan's acclaimed novel, Joe Wright's 2007 film tells a story of love, jealousy and devastating misunderstanding. Worn during a pivotal scene between Cecilia and Robbie Turner, the gown has since achieved iconic status, becoming one of the most recognisable costumes in contemporary film.
From the page to the silver screen
The sale also explores the enduring love-affair between literature and cinema through remarkable examples of early film poster art. Among them is an artwork for Metropolis (1927) (estimate: 100,000–130,000), created in 1926 for the film's premiere. Its appearance is particularly timely ahead of the film's 100th anniversary in January 2027. Widely regarded as one of the most influential films in cinematic history, Metropolis is celebrated for its pioneering vision of the future and its exploration of power, technology and the human condition.
Also offered is an artwork for the release poster of the 1931 film Dracula (estimate: 80,000–120,000), bringing to life Bram Stoker's classic tale of gothic horror in one of the defining films of the early sound era. The film explores themes of forbidden desire, fear of the unknown and the battle between good and evil.
Love, in words and type
Jilly Cooper's Olivetti Lettera 32 typewriter, affectionately known as 'Monica 2' (estimate: 5,000–8,000), offers a rare glimpse into the writing life of one of Britain's best-loved novelists. Used at her Gloucestershire home, The Chantry, Cooper typed all her work, from journalism for the Sunday Times and the Daily Mail to the novels that made her one of Britain's most celebrated writers. Her manuscripts were repeatedly revised at the keyboard, with new passages typed and stapled over earlier versions. Found in her upstairs office following her death in October 2025, Monica 2 offers a personal connection to the creation of her much-loved stories.
Four original sketches by Chris Foss for the 1972 publication The Joy of Sex (estimate: 6,000–8,000). Executed in pencil on tracing paper and signed by the artist, the drawings offer insight into the visual development of one of the most influential books on human relationships and sexuality.
Three autograph letters from Horatio Nelson to his lover Emma, Lady Hamilton (offered as three separate lots; estimates: 6,000–9,000, 5,000–8,000 and 5,000–7,000), offer an intimate glimpse into their relationship. Among them is a poignant farewell written on 20 May 1803, the day Nelson departed Portsmouth aboard HMS Victory, in which he writes 'My heart is full to bursting'. A further letter, written aboard HMS Victory in June 1804, reveals Nelson's reflections on the blockade of Toulon, his health and his enduring affection for Emma.
A moment in British Ballet
The original costume worn by Dame Margot Fonteyn as Princess Aurora in Act II of the 1960 production of Tchaikovsky's The Sleeping Beauty (estimate: 8,000–10,000) is another noteworthy piece being offered. Designed for Oliver Messel's production at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, the costume is a remarkable surviving example from one of the most distinguished chapters in British ballet.
Thais Hitchins, Associate Specialist, and Mark Wiltshire, Specialist, Christie's London, jointly comment, “Love and desire have inspired some of the most enduring stories in literature and art, and this sale brings together a wonderfully eclectic group of objects that capture their many facets – from the iconic emerald gown worn in Atonement to the artworks for Dracula and Metropolis. Jilly Cooper's typewriter feels particularly timely, as her much-loved world finds a new audience on screen. Each object has its own story to tell, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to Christie's to discover them first-hand at our exhibition, which is free and open to all.”
Love & Lust: A Literary Guide forms part of Christie's Classic Week, a series of auctions spanning art from antiquity to the 21st century, taking place in London from 1 to 10 December.
