November 29, 2023
Blackwell Auctions in Clearwater, Florida, will unveil a collection of original Polaroid test shots for Michael Jackson Thriller album cover.
In a rare and historic auction set for December 9th, Blackwell Auctions in Clearwater, Florida, will unveil a collection of original Polaroid test shots and the Hasselblad camera used for Michael Jackson during the Thriller album cover shoot, according to Daily Mail. These items, part of photographer Dick Zimmerman’s archive, will be presented for auction for the first time, providing fans and collectors with a unique opportunity to own a piece of music history.
The Thriller album, released in 1982, went on to become one of the best-selling albums globally, with an estimated 70 to 110 million copies sold. The chosen cover photo, depicting Michael Jackson in a white jacket and trousers with a black top, has become one of the most recognizable images in music history.
Zimmerman, the celebrity photographer behind the iconic shoot, is offering five Polaroid test images for auction, each providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creation of the album cover. Among these, the selected test photo capturing the pose recommended by producer Quincy Jones is expected to fetch $19,000. Additionally, four alternate cover shots, including Jackson with a tiger cub, will be available individually for $6,350 each.
The Tampa Bay Times reported the auction will also include the Hasselblad 500ELX camera Zimmerman used on the day of the shoot. The camera, valued at $19,000, played a crucial role in capturing the moments that would define the Thriller album cover.
Edwin Bailey, owner of Blackwell Auctions, emphasized the cultural importance of these items, stating, “The Thriller cover is one of the most widely distributed and immediately recognizable photographs ever taken.” Bailey highlighted the privilege of offering these Polaroids and the camera, all of which have been part of Zimmerman’s personal collection since 1982.
The items come with a letter of authenticity from Zimmerman, and the winning bidder will receive copyright ownership, allowing for commercial reproduction.
“As an artist, I’m proud to have played a part in creating the best-selling album ever,” Zimmerman remarked. He sees the auction as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for collectors and fans of entertainment memorabilia to bid on pieces that hold significant value in music history.
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