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Silver boots adorned with the initials “E” and “J” that were worn during performances, a grand piano and a triptych by the enigmatic artist Banksy constitute a mere fraction of the extensive collection that Sir Elton John is auctioning off. Hosted by Christie’s in New York on February 28, this remarkable sale predominantly features items from his recently sold opulent residence in Atlanta.
The auction includes both physical and online bidding, with a notable evening event scheduled for February 28 at Christie’s New York location. Collectors will have the opportunity to acquire a range of the legendary British singer and pianist’s concert attire. A highlight is an ivory and gold ensemble from the 1970s designed by Annie Reavey, which has an estimated value ranging between $8,000 and $12,000.
This auction encompasses hundreds of lots, each reflecting a fragment of Sir Elton’s illustrious career. The British musician, a pivotal figure in the music scene over the past half-century, is renowned for his chart-topping pop hits like Your Song, Rocket Man, I’m Still Standing, and Sacrifice. His flamboyant costumes and commitment to combating AIDS have been hallmarks of his public persona. Atlanta, the capital of Georgia in the southern United States, served as his base for American tours—a decision influenced by personal reasons, as explained by Christie’s in their press release.
Sir Elton John, who has publicly battled with alcohol and drug addiction, achieved sobriety in 1990. He found comfort and support in the welcoming community of Atlanta and its rehabilitation centers, such as the Triangle Club, which played a crucial role in his recovery, according to Christie’s. The collection, curated with his husband David Furnish, reflects the couple’s taste for contemporary arts. It includes works by artists such as Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, Robert Mapplethorpe and Richard Avedon. A highlight is the triptych featuring Banksy’s famed Flower Thrower, estimated to fetch between $1 and $1.5 million, making it the most expensive piece at the February 28 auction.
Similar to the auctioning of jerseys worn in legendary matches by sports icons like Michael Jordan and Diego Maradona, the sale of collections belonging to pop culture celebrities has become a favored arena for auction houses. In September last year, an auction of thousands of items formerly owned by Freddie Mercury, the frontman of the rock band Queen, culminated in a staggering sum of 40 million pounds sterling (approximately 46.5 million euros). This included a Yamaha baby grand piano on which the artist had composed nearly all his works, sold for 2 million euros.
With AFP
