100 Darth Vader helmets which have been re-imagined by some of today’s best known underground artists will be unveiled at Freeman’s Los Angeles Auction Preview, 6812 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. on the 12th through 20th of June 2010 before their sale at Freemans’ Auctioneers in Philadelphia on the 10th July 2010.

The Vader Project was set up by Dov Kelemer and Sarah Jo Marks of DKE toys. The concept is simple: 100 of the best underground artists and designers working today were given a scale Darth Vader helmet to customize as they saw fit. “From a simple idea in 2005 to a record-setting exhibition in 2009, it’s time for our child to venture forth into the world,” Kelemer and Marks said. “We are pleased to have partnered with Freeman’s to make these fine pieces of art available to the public for the first time.”

Some of the notable artists involved with the project include: Shag, Peter Kuper, Jermaine Rogers, Gary Baseman, BXH, Tim Biskup, The Pizz, Dalek, Paul Frank, Ron English, Jeff Soto, Michelle Valigura, Frank Kozik, Plasticgod, Simone Legno – Tokidoki, Bill McMullen, Secret Base, Joe Ledbetter, Alex Pardee, Suckadelic, Cameron Tiede, Mister Cartoon, Marc Ecko, and Amanda Visell. The helmets are valued from between US$3000 and US$15,000.

You can order catalogues at http://thevaderproject.com/order.php

Since it’s conception in 2007, The Vader Project has been displayed at various Star Wars conventions and Museums around the world. The Vader Project originally premiered in May 2007 at the Star Wars TM Celebration IV in Los Angeles. From there it travelled all over the world to Europe in July 2007 and Japan in July 2008. Most recently it was on display from February 13 – May 3, 2009 at the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

This auction is not sponsored or endorsed by Lucasfilm, and has no relationship with Lucasfilm. Star Wars TM and all related intellectual property is © or ® 2010 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved.
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Viewing Times
Freeman’s Los Angeles Auction Preview
6812 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, C.A, U.S.A.
Vader Exhibition:12-6 PM Saturday 12th through Sunday 20th June 2010

Lyon & Turnbull, 33 Broughton Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3RR U.K.
Vader Exhibition:10 am -5 pm Friday 25th June 2010, 2 am -5 pm Sunday 27th June 2010, Monday 28th June 10 am -5 pm

Freeman’s of Philadelphia
Freeman’s, 1808 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, P.A. U.S.A.
Vader Exhibition: 10-6 PM Monday, July 5th through Friday, July 9th 2010
Vader Auction: 12 noon Saturday, July 10th 2010