Tony Walton was an Oscar-winning scenic and costume designer whose work across stage and screen didn’t just decorate stories – it brought them to life. From the captivating streets of “Mary Poppins” to the bold Tony-winning sets of “Guys and Dolls,” Walton, who died in 2022 at age 87, left an indelible mark on both stage and screen. His five Oscar nominations, three Tony Awards, and an Emmy only hint at the breadth of a career that spanned Broadway, Hollywood, and beyond, earning him a reputation as a chameleon of design who never repeated himself. On May 16, Heritage Auctions will present the Tony Walton: Designer of Dreams Auction, offering collectors a rare chance to own pieces of his extraordinary legacy – sketches, models, costumes and more – while supporting a cause close to his theatrical heart with a portion of proceeds benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BCEFA).
“Tony Walton taught me to see the world with new eyes,” said Julie Andrews, Walton’s first wife and the star of Mary Poppins, for which he designed the iconic costumes and sets. “His riotous use of color, his extraordinary gift for perspective, the way in which he captured not just the leaves on the trees but the spaces in between and the sky beyond… all revealed beauty and wonder that changed my point of view forever.”
The auction is a treasure trove of Walton’s creative process, from his earliest days sketching caricatures for Playbill Magazine – featuring stars like Andrews in “My Fair Lady” (1960), Rosalind Russell in “Auntie Mame” (1958), and Tallulah Bankhead in “Eugenia” (1957) – to his groundbreaking work on 1964’s Mary Poppins. Other highlights include original costume sketches of Andrews’s magical nanny, with playful touches of crimson amidst somber greys, and production designs like Admiral Boom’s house and the Banks’ children’s bedroom. His early Broadway triumphs shine through, too, with sketches and ephemera from “The Apple Tree” (1966), “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” (1962-1966) and “Pippin” (1972), the latter earning him his first Tony for scenic design.
“My father was a man of the arts in every sense of the word,” said Emma Walton Hamilton, daughter of Andrews and Walton. “He ate, slept, and breathed theater and film. Early in his career, he made a promise never to repeat himself… instead, he found a unique vision for each project that best served the piece itself. He is sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.”
Walton’s versatility dazzles across the lots. There’s the “Chicago” (1975) Roxie fan, later repurposed as wall art for Studio 54, where Walton helped shape the club’s iconic look with neon dancer sketches and other designs and artworks. His Oscar-nominated work on feature film “The Wiz” (1978) features hand-painted clay maquettes of Michael Jackson’s Scarecrow, Nipsey Russell’s Tin Man and Ted Ross’ Cowardly Lion alongside Yellow Brick Road concept art. Set models – like the intricate house from “The Sea Gull” (1968), the Tony-winning “Guys and Dolls” (1992) revival and the Dickensian “A Christmas Carol” (1994-2003) – offer a tactile glimpse into his genius, while personal portfolios from “Fahrenheit 451″ (1966), “All That Jazz” (1979) and a 13-volume set and more from “The Boy Friend” (2003-2006), a reunion with Andrews and Walton, reveal his meticulous process.
“Tony was a brilliant artist and one of the kindest, most generous humans ever,” said Bridget LeRoy, his stepdaughter. “Our home was a haven for every Broadway and film star, hoofer, designer, and technician, all of whom adored him as much as we did. We are thrilled to be sharing his work with the world in conjunction with Heritage Auctions.”
“Tony Walton’s estate is a breathtaking journey through a singular career that redefined design in theater and film,” says Joe Maddalena, Heritage’s Executive Vice President. “From the charming and masterful sketches of Mary Poppins to the assertive sets of Guys and Dolls, this collection offers collectors a chance to own pieces of a visionary process that continues to inspire.”
Elyse Luray, Heritage’s Trust & Estates Specialist, agrees: “We’re honored to present this archive. Important works like the Chicago Roxie fan reborn at Studio 54 or the intricate Wiz maquettes aren’t just artifacts – they’re testaments to a creative mind that shaped modern entertainment.”
A portion of the proceeds will support Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, a cause Walton’s theater-committed soul would have championed. BCEFA looks forward to rallying the Broadway community to celebrate Walton’s legacy through this auction, ensuring his influence extends beyond the stage and screen to meaningful impact.
From costume sketches for “Murder on the Orient Express” (1974) to set designs for “Anything Goes” (1987) and Academy Award nomination plaques, every lot tells a story of Walton’s boundless imagination. For the Walton completist, there’s even a portfolio bursting with Walton’s costume and scenic design artwork for the legendary 1975 Bette Midler revue Clams on the Half Shell. All aboard!