GREY GARDENS EDIE BOUVIER BEALE MEMORABILIA AND COLLECTIBLES

Over the years Grey Gardens collectibles have been few and far between. Interest in the documentary was once considered a limited "cult" market and, as such, not much was available for fans to collect (you would occasionally find an Edie Beale personal letter, Reno Sweeney poster, or a "Zolar" book for sale on eBay). Many of the fans were left to fill this void by creating their own imaginative items which were made available in limited quantities to fellow collectors. Though, when the musical reached Broadway, there was an onslaught of items created to promote the production.

If you have any special items you would like to contribute to this page, or have additional information regarding any item, please contact me. Also, if you have something special you are interested in selling, please let me know.

Edie Beale 11.5" Fashion Doll
A fan named Deborah sent this in to me. What a great likeness of Little Edie in her VMI March costume! I am told that her little brooch is actually 14 karat gold. Wow!

Edie Beale Art by Bruce Lennon
Artist Bruce Lennon has thoughtfully created a variety of interesting Grey Gardens-related items. One of my favorites is the set of Edie Beale Paper Doll refrigerator magnets. He has also created lithographs, paper masks, can labels, and standees. Check out http://www.yessy.com/brucelennon/ggardens.html for a full selection of his work that is available for purchase.

Cat and Raccoon Graphic Pillows by Salvor Fauna
These fun pillows will add a touch of "G.G." to any room in your house. These pillows are made by Salvor Fauna, a New York City-based design company. Order online at: http://www.zincdetails.com/shp/shopexd.asp?id=453054823.

Grey Gardens Coloring Books
These set of three limited edition coloring books are more like works of art than something you might actually use. Each volume is signed by the artist and includes ten single-sided pages per book. What a fun idea! Order online at: http://www.greygardenscoloringbooks.com.

Grey Gardens: The Musical Collectibles and Merchandise
There were quite a few items produced in association with the Broadway production of Grey Gardens. Many were sold at the theater shop, but some of the more unique items were only distributed as promotional souvenirs to cast, crew, and media. Because of the vast array of the items, I will not describe them all and will only show a few of the more hard-to-find treasures.

There was an official glossy program, t-shirts, throw blanket, baseball caps, plush cat, lapel pins, button pins, tote bag, coffee mug, coffee kettle, keychains, sweatshirts, jacket, red shoe doorstop, cast lithograph drawing, leather cocktail coasters, pillow, silver mirror, paperweight, notepad, inkpens, etc.

Edie Beale Musical Quote
Little Edie wrote this note to a friend regarding the news that Grey Gardens would be adapted to a Broadway musical.

"G.G." is going to be made into a B'way Musical! I am thrilled about it! Don't know any of the details yet. If only Mother was alive to see it!"

Movieland and TV Time Magazine (March 1973)
Although the Beales were featured in many magazine and newspaper articles over the years, to my knowledge this is the only major magazine cover that the Beales ever appeared on. The article inside is extremely detailed and features several "before and after" photos of Grey Gardens after it was renovated. Note this is before the Maysles documentary.

"It's All In The Stars" Paperback Book by Zolar
This book is featured in the iconic "Libra man" scene in the Maysles documentary. It has been reprinted and updated in several different editons over the years. You can find this green-cover edition (like the one in the film) occasionally on eBay, but be prepared to pay at least $50 for it!

Big Edie Beale Jewels
Unbelievably, diamond and platinum heirloom jewelry belonging to Edith Beale was once offered at auction on eBay. The necklace and pendant were worn at her wedding. The earrings were a gift from Phelan Beale. And the brooch features Bouvier diamonds. The opening bid of $300,000 was never met...

Edie Beale Reno Sweeney Poster
This poster was once considered the "holy grail" of Grey Gardens collectibles. Only a few were believed to have been saved from Edie's performance at the Reno Sweeney cabaret (as many as 500 copies may have been produced to publicize the show). However, many have been sold on eBay recently. I have seen three different versions of the poster with size and paper variations. Edie was said to have hated the photo of her...she thought she looked "constipated"!

The one featured here was signed by Edie.

From the collection of Julia and Beau Kelley.

Lois Wright Recipe Card Box
Lois Wright presented this charming little metal box as a gift to Big Edie in the Birthday Party Scene in the Maysles documentary. The yellow tin is adorned with red roses and other flowers. It was manufactured by the Syndicate company and is quite difficult to find today.

The one featured here was signed by Lois.

From the collection of Julia and Beau Kelley.

The Edie Bouvier Beale Brooch
This is considered to be the ultimate Grey Gardens collectible. Little Edie finished every "revolutionary costume" with this accessory. David Crotty, a fan and admirer of Little Edie, painstakingly re-created it with extraordinary attention to detail. The brooch is four inches long and is handmade in brass and gold with white topaz. It was worn by Christine Ebersole in the musical and will be seen on Drew Barrymore in the movie. Purchase online at www.thegreygardensbrooch.com.

Bouvier, Caffey, and Beale Law Firm Letterhead
This is an example of the letterhead of Major Bouvier's law firm that Phelan Beale later joined. This letter is signed by Major Bouvier.

From the collection of Julia and Beau Kelley.

Lois Wright Painting
This is a "spirit" painting of Little Edie Beale by Lois Wright. Lois is a talented and creative artist, and displayed much of her work on the walls of Grey Gardens while she lived there. She continues to paint today. President Jimmy Carter even owns a Lois Wright portrait!

From the collection of Julia and Beau Kelley.

Little Edie Beale Personal Gift
Little Edie often sent poignant artwork, poems, and notes to her friends, family, and admirers. This is an example of a silk applique rose embellished with Hermes ribbon that she sent to her loyal friend, The Baron.

From the collection of Julia and Beau Kelley.

Edie Beale Fashion Sketch by Nick Verreos
Little Edie's fashion sense has inspired designers the world over (including Isaac Mizrahi, Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, and Todd Oldham). This is a sketch by Project Runway designer Nick Verreos that was auctioned for charity last year.

From the collection of Julia and Beau Kelley.

Edie Beale Swimsuit
Little Edie famously wore this bathing suit in the Maysles documentary. Not one to limit this piece to the sun and sand on the beach, she would often pair the swimsuit with other clothing for a totally unique ensemble. As with most vintage clothing (especially swimwear), the swimsuit is extremely difficult to find today. The few examples I have seen do not have tags identifying a maker or designer. Any information would be appreciated!

From the collection of Julia and Beau Kelley.

Grey Gardens "Eye Room" Fan
This wonderful fan hung on the wall in the "Eye Room" at Grey Gardens. Lois Wright painted the giant eye on the fan as a symbolic nod to the room that she occupied temporarily at Grey Gardens. The fan measures almost two feet across and is one of the last surviving pieces of original artwork from the home.

From the collection of Julia and Beau Kelley.

George Gould Strong Diamond Ring
This exceptionally handsome gentleman's diamond ring was given to George Gould Strong by Big Edie Beale. The ring eventually made its way back to the Beales under the safekeeping of Little Edie's mattress. It was then sold to their friend The Baron back in the 1970's. The ring was worn by Malcolm Gets in the upcoming Grey Gardens film.

From the collection of Julia and Beau Kelley.

Little Edie Beale Bobblehead Doll
This figurine has received rave reviews. A limited edition of only 100 of these were made, and each is hand numbered. Little Edie's "brooch" features Swarovski crystals. The cat and raccoon are separate pieces and can be displayed any way you please. She is already in the collections of Al Maysles, Drew Barrymore, Michael Sucsy, Muffie Meyer, Christine Ebersole, and others! She took over three months to produce and was created by GG aficionados/collectors Julia and Beau Kelley. Contact greygardensonline@yahoo.com if interested in one of the remaining few for your collection.