J.K. Rowling’s Iconic Chair Goes Up for Auction
The Chair That Inspired Harry Potter
J.K. Rowling, the acclaimed author of the Harry Potter series, used a specific dining room chair to write the first two installments of her beloved novels. This chair, now considered a priceless piece of literary history, is set to go up for auction at Heritage Auctions in New York City.
A Magical Artifact
The chair itself is a modest piece of furniture, but its significance lies in its connection to Rowling’s creative process. As she sat in this chair in her Edinburgh flat, Rowling poured her imagination into the world of Harry Potter, crafting the characters and stories that would captivate millions of readers worldwide.
A Unique Artwork
Beyond its historical value, the chair is also a unique artwork in its own right. Rowling decorated it with gold, rose, and green lightning bolts, the iconic symbol of the Harry Potter series. She also inscribed the back and sides with handwritten notes, including the memorable line, “I wrote/Harry Potter/while sitting/on this chair.”
A Piece of Muggle History
For Harry Potter fans, this chair represents a tangible connection to the magical world they love. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the transformative impact of Rowling’s imagination. As art dealer Matthew Ford said, “It’s a chair you’d pay a tenner for in a junk shop, but historically, it’s the most important chair in Muggledom.”
The Auction
The chair will be auctioned off on April 6th, with a minimum bid of $45,000. Heritage Auctions director of rare books, James Gannon, believes the chair could easily sell for $75,000 or even top $100,000.
A Chance to Own a Piece of History
For Potterheads with deep pockets, this auction presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of Harry Potter history. The chair is currently on display in the front window of Heritage Auctions in New York City, giving fans a chance to see it before it finds its new home.
Additional Details
- The chair was originally donated by Rowling to a charity auction in 2002, where it sold for $23,475.
- It was sold again on eBay in 2009 for $29,117.
- The chair includes a handwritten note from Rowling on “Owl Post” stationary.
- Rowling has described the chair as “the comfiest one,” which is why it became her dedicated writing chair.
Significance
J.K. Rowling’s chair is more than just a piece of furniture; it is a symbol of her creativity and the enduring legacy of the Harry Potter series. For fans of the books and the magical world they depict, owning this chair would be an extraordinary privilege.