‘Behind the Curtain: The Tony Walton Collection’ to Be Auctioned in New Jersey

Willow Auction House will present “Behind the Curtain: The Tony Walton Collection,” a special three-day, single-owner auction, which will take place November 4 to 6, in Lincoln Park, New Jersey.

Bidders can view the complete catalog and images at willowauctionhouse.com.

For more than 60 years, Tony Walton, a longtime Sag Harbor resident, designed costumes and sets for Broadway classics including “Chicago,” “Annie Get Your Gun” and “Guys and Dolls.” A Tony, Oscar and Emmy Award winner, Walton also contributed to films such as “All That Jazz” and “The Wiz,” as well as off-Broadway productions, ballets, operas and book and magazine illustrations.

The auction will follow Walton’s career chronologically over three days:

Day One (1950s–1980): Early works from the Slade School, caricatures and illustrations for Playbill, set designs for “Carousel,” “Conversation Piece,” “Pippin” and “Chicago,” along with original film sketchbooks and posters for “All That Jazz” and “The Wiz.”

Day Two (1981–2018): Costume and set designs for “Sophisticated Ladies,” “Woman of the Year,” “Little Me,” “The Real Thing,” “Annie Get Your Gun,” “Guys and Dolls” and more.

Day Three: Items from Walton’s personal collection, including Playbills, posters, books (featuring collaborations with Julie Andrews), toys and decorative items.

The auction features more than 700 lots from Walton’s prolific career — many never seen before — providing a rare opportunity for collectors, Broadway enthusiasts and arts institutions to acquire a piece of theater history. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Entertainment Community Fund.

Bidders may participate in person, online, by telephone or via livestream. Previews will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. October 31, November 1 and November 3, with additional times available by appointment.