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A limited-edition artist proof of a bronze Yoda statue designed by Star Wars artist Lawrence Noble. Noble's bronze Yoda statue is well-known to Star Wars fans due to the example installed in a fountain at Lucasfilm's Presidio offices. The now-famous statue had a long development route: after seeing Irvin Kershner's Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in 1981, Noble sculpted an 8-inch clay model of Yoda. Four years later, collector William Plumb commissioned a bronze casting from Noble's small Yoda sculpture. That led to Killian Enterprises producing a licensed 8-inch version from the same Noble sculpt in 1990 to celebrate Empire's 10th anniversary. The success of the 10th anniversary small-scale Yoda contributed to Noble developing a full-size bronze Yoda statue in the early 2000s.

Noble first produced six artist proofs of the bronze Yoda statues; five went to private collectors, and the sixth was gifted to George Lucas. Subsequently, a run of 30 statues was made available to the public. Lucas purchased several more of the bronze Yodas and installed one at Lucasfilm's Presidio Campus Fountain circa 2005; today it is a mecca for Star Wars fans from around the globe.

This lot, Artist Proof #3 of 6, comes from Plumb's personal collection. It features a Noble Studio plaque on the base engraved with Noble's signature and the AP number. Also included are a July 12, 1985 letter from Noble to Plumb regarding the first small-scale bronze Yoda; a progress binder with 107 color photos of Noble sculpting the statue; an original purchase invoice from Noble Studio dated October 2001; and a color photo of the completed full-size statue on the Lucasfilm fountain signed by Noble. The statue exhibits aging to its patina from exposure and age. Dimensions: 24" x 24" x 34" (61 cm x 61 cm x 86.5 cm)

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For the last four decades, William Plumb has been at the forefront of Star Wars and science fiction original art collecting. He was a pioneer in searching for artwork for his collection and began contacting artists to inquire about their works in the mid 1980s. Over time he developed personal relationships with many renowned artists including Ralph McQuarrie, Drew Struzan, Lawrence Noble, and Dave Dorman. In 1986, Plumb organized the "Space Fantasy & Reality Art Expo" at the Maturango Museum in Ridgecrest, California, to benefit the handicapped. The event was supported by contributions from Plumb's artist friends and even Lucasfilm - all of whom loaned materials to Plumb for the display.

It was through these personal relationships that Plumb acquired many of the finest pieces in his collection. Throughout the years, Plumb organized or appeared at countless other events and shows, where he proudly displayed his collection and discussed his passion for Star Wars original art with both artists and fans. In 1996, Plumb hosted a panel at San Diego Comic Con on collecting Star Wars artwork specifically. In 2001, he and a small group of fellow collectors commissioned Lawrence Noble to produce the now-famous "Bronze Yoda." Plumb's bronze Yoda statue was perennially displayed at The California State Fair for fans to see and enjoy.

Propstore is pleased and honored to offer these fantastic lots from Plumb's collection, including Noble's matching number Artist Proofs of the bronze Yoda and Darth Vader statues, sketches and paintings from McQuarrie, Struzan, Noble, Dorman, Kazu Sano, Tim Hildebrandt, John Gampert, Ken Barr, Vincent Di Fate, and many more.

Estimate: $25,000 - 50,000

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