Costumes and props from the hit television series Outlander generated nearly £730,000 at auction, with global bidding driven by dedicated fans. The sale at Bonhams featured items from all eight seasons of the romantic time-travel drama, which concluded in May.
Among the notable sales was the kilted outfit worn by Jamie Fraser, portrayed by Sam Heughan, during scenes of the Battle of Culloden. This ensemble sold for £8,960, exceeding its estimated price by more than four times. An ensemble worn by Claire, played by Caitriona Balfe, on her wedding day to Jamie commanded £11,520, over three times its expected value. An iconic replica of an 'Outlander' dragonfly in amber sold for £7,040, and an oil painting of Jamie's ancestral home, Lallybroch Castle, fetched £5,376.
In total, 385 lots were offered in the online and live auction, collectively titled ‘Outlander: The Auction’. Selected highlights were displayed in Edinburgh and London prior to the sale, which ultimately amassed £729,395.
Madeleine Cater, Bonhams' Head of Sale, commented on the series' appeal, stating, "When it comes to historical fantasy, Outlander is unmatched in its power of escapism, drama, and romance." She added, "For more than a decade, the show has captivated audiences, and we are delighted to bring some of the incredible costumes and props to auction."
The series, based on the novels by US author Diana Gabaldon, has sold over 50 million copies worldwide. It premiered in the UK in 2015, following the story of Claire Randall, a former World War II nurse who travels to 18th-century Scotland and falls for Highland warrior Jamie.
The 'Outlander Effect' has also been credited with a significant increase in tourism in Scotland, drawing fans to filming locations and historical sites connected to the series, such as the Culloden battlefield.
The auction lots spanned the entirety of the show's eight seasons, representing 12 years of filming and extensive craftsmanship from costume designers, prop makers, and artisans. The highest price achieved was £28,160 for Claire's three wedding rings. Second highest was a toile of the red ball gown worn by Claire in Season 2, Episode 2, which sold for £12,160, more than double its estimate. Claire's white dress from her initial journey through the stones in Season 1 sold for £7,040, and a tartan corseted dress from Season 1 fetched £10,880.
Other items included ‘Black Jack’ Randall's red coat uniform, worn by actor Tobias Menzies, which sold for £2,650. A model of the fictional Craigh na Dun standing stones, created by the show's art department and inspired by the Callanish Stones, made £2,560.
Matthew B Roberts, executive producer for all eight seasons, expressed his satisfaction that the auctioned pieces would find homes with fans. "These objects were made with love, by people who gave everything to this story," he said. "They deserve to be treasured and I have no doubt they will be."