The ashes of writer Truman Capote have sold at auction for almost 44,000 U.S. dollars (£34,000) – 10 times the amount they were expected to fetch. “There was a lot of interest in such a unique item”, Darren Julien, president of Julien’s Auctions, told the Press Association.
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“We had people from Russia, Germany, China, South America, and here in the USA who had interest in them”, Julien told CNN. “I anticipated it could sell for over $10,000, but didn’t anticipate it going for $45,000”.
Capote was born in New Orleans in 1924, and died 60 years later in the Los Angeles home of Joanne Carson.
The buyer promised to bring the ashes to parties, movies and other events, in keeping with the wishes of the famed author of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “In Cold Blood”.
The writer, who died in Los Angeles in 1984, was a friend and fellow-traveler of Harper Lee.
A portion of his ashes were owned by Joanne Carson, the former wife of the chat show host Johnny Carson. According to a statement from Julien’s, Joanne Carson was given “great comfort” by Capote’s remains.
“He asked Joanne Carson before he passed”.
Mr Capote was known for his flair, and taste for the dramatic – and Mr Julien says the auction would have pleased him. “This is definitely right in line with his wishes”.
Julien’s Auctions said the sale of the item, which had an estimated price of 4,000-6,000 dollars (£3,080 -£4,600), is believed to be the first time human ashes have been sold at auction. “We have not seen the last of Truman Capote”. About 50 of Capote’s personal items from Carson’s estate were sold with prices ranging from Dollars 50 to USD 2,000, according to the auction house.
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A set of Capote’s prescription bottles sold for $5,000.
