James Bond, otherwise known as 007, is the British secret agent who continues to hold a strong place in the hearts of film fans across the world. It is estimated that over a billion people have watched at least one of the 25 Bond films, and Ian Fleming’s books, which inspired the film series, have sold more than 100 million copies globally. It is no surprise, then, that the film’s memorabilia is so highly prized at auction.

In 2019, the Aston Martin DB5 used in Goldfinger and Thunderball sold for $6.4 million. Next month, a rare hand-painted artwork by American illustrator Robert McGinnis, used to promote the 1971 James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever, will be auctioned at Propstore’s Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction in London. The painting, featuring actor Sean Connery as James Bond standing between two women with his gun drawn, is estimated between £150,000 and £300,000 ($194,000 to $387,000).

Robert McGinnis’s hand-painted poster depicting Sean Connery as James Bond. Courtesy of Propstore.

McGinnis is famous for his work on several Bond films, including Thunderball and You Only Live Twice, and was integral in shaping the visual identity of these films. His illustration for Diamonds Are Forever originally depicted Bond at the same height as the two women flanking him. However, at the request of the film’s marketing department, McGinnis was asked to alter the composition, elevating Bond above the women to emphasize Bond as the leading role. McGinnis physically cut the painting and repositioned Bond—a change still visible in the artwork today. The painting, rendered in oil and gouache on acid-free card, has some water and mould damage. Yet, despite these imperfections, the piece remains highly sought after by collectors. The auction of McGinnis’ Thunderball original poster was sold at auction for $15,000 in 2022.

The auction, set to take place at BAFTA’s headquarters in London on November 14-17 and will also feature 1,800 rare and iconic artifacts from other legendary films. Recently in Los Angeles, at an event by Propstore (the company organizing the sale), Indiana Jones’ hat from Raiders of the Lost Ark sold for $630,000, setting the tone for the upcoming London auction. Alongside the Bond artwork, the event will present memorabilia from other film legends such as Tom Hanks, Russell Crowe, and Johnny Depp, as well as a collection of Noel Gallagher’s guitars and handwritten lyrics from Oasis.

Sean Connery as James Bond in Dr. No (1962). Photo by MGM Studios / Courtesy of Getty Images.

Scottish actor Sean Connery, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 90, left a remarkable legacy on the Bond franchise. His portrayal of 007, starting with Dr. No in 1962, set the tone for the suave, sharp-witted British spy. The Diamonds Are Forever poster depicting Connery is not just a tribute to the actor, but a key piece of cinema history and capturing the golden age of the Bond franchise.

The allure of film-related objects at auction has seen a significant surge in the past decade. One of the most famous pieces of movie memorabilia is Marilyn Monroe’s white halter dress from The Seven Year Itch (1955) which sold for $4.6 million at auction in 2011. As cinema has become such an integral part of modern day culture, the objects associated with iconic films are increasingly being viewed as valuable pieces of artworks in their own right.

Beyond James Bond, McGinnis also designed posters for other films such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), Barbarella (1968), and The Odd Couple (1968). His illustrations are known for their realism combined with glamour and style, especially in his portrayal of women and heroic male figures. The rarity of original Robert McGinnis artwork on the market contributes to the appeal of his pieces at auction.

As the world of film memorabilia continues to flourish, the popularity of James Bond ensures that 007’s poster will remain highly sought after.