Elizabeth Taylor Items to Be Auctioned by Christie's

NEW YORK – Actress Elizabeth Taylor announced Wednesday that all future sales of her jewelry, artwork, clothing, furniture and memorabilia will be through Christie's, which has already auctioned some of her possessions including the dress she wore to the 1969 Academy Awards.

"Christie's is a most honorable firm," Taylor said in a statement. "I have enjoyed their integrity and commitment to excellence for many years."

The agreement will include auctions during the lifetime of the 74-year-old movie star and after her death.

"When the items I've collected are cared for by other people I hope they will be loved and respected in a sharing way," Taylor said. "Eventually, they will be passed on to others. But not too soon!"

Stephen Lash, chairman of Christie's Americas, said, "This marks a fantastic continuation of our many years of work with this stunning film legend, humanitarian and designer."

Taylor's 1969 Oscar gown sold for $150,000 in 1999, with proceeds benefiting the American Foundation for AIDS Research, of which Taylor is the international founding chairman.

In 2002, Christie's auctioned nine pieces of jewelry donated by Taylor for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, which she established in 1991. The sale included a diamond and emerald ring that was Richard Burton's first gift to the actress.