The world lost one of its most celebrated and loved scientists earlier this year in March. Stephen Hawking’s discoveries and work in the field of theoretical physics and cosmology not only gave a new understanding of the universe but also inspire many young minds to take interest in science. The void left behind by his passing away may never be filled. Auction house Christie’s has announced an online sale of a collection of remarkable items from the legendary physicist’s estate, giving a unique chance to all his fans across the world to bid on priceless memorabilia. The online sale titled ‘On the Shoulders of Giants’ will take place between 31 October – 8 November and feature 22 items from Hawking.
The online sale by auctioneer Christie’s include items like complex scientific papers, one of the world’s most iconic wheelchairs and a script from “The Simpsons.” Also up for auction would be his doctoral thesis on the origins of the universe, some of his many awards, and scientific papers such as “Spectrum of Wormholes” and “Fundamental Breakdown of Physics in Gravitational Collapse.” Thomas Venning, head of books and manuscripts at Christie’s, said the papers “trace the development of his thought — this brilliant, electrifying intelligence.” The auction also includes one of five existing copies of Hawking’s 1965 Cambridge University Ph.D. thesis, “Properties of Expanding Universes,” which carries an estimated price of 100,000 pounds to 150,000 pounds (about $130,000 to $195,000). According to Venning, the thesis is both a key document in the physicist’s scientific evolution and a glimpse into his personal story. It is signed by Hawking in handwriting made shaky by his illness. Hawking’s daughter Lucy said the sale gave “admirers of his work the chance to acquire a memento of our father’s extraordinary life in the shape of a small selection of evocative and fascinating items.”
