Elton John to Auction Art and Design Treasures from His Atlanta Estate
The Christie’s auction starts on February 21 and includes works by Andy Warhol, Helmut Newton, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Damien Hirst
You know you can’t hold me forever… sings legendary rocker Sir Elton John in his 1973 hit “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” It turns out the lyric is quite prophesying, as an array of furniture, art, jewelry, and memorabilia from John’s Atlanta home is being sold in an eight-part auction at Christie’s, aptly titled “The Collection of Sir Elton John: Goodbye Peachtree Road.”
Announced today and taking place starting on February 21, the live and online sale includes a number of pieces created specifically for John’s Georgia residence, which he shares with husband David Furnish. Additionally, the event includes a number of stunning artworks, including myriad examples of photography that John voracious collected.
“This extraordinary collection not only showcases a diverse array of remarkable objects that encapsulate Elton’s unique life, work, and art but also provides our clients with a glimpse into the profound impact that the city of Atlanta had on him,” Tash Perrin, Deputy Chairman, Christie’s Americas, said in a statement. “We take immense pride in presenting this multi-category sale, featuring a refined assortment of photographs, artworks, fashion, and costumes—a testament to a man’s eclectic vision, artistry, and impeccable taste.”
Included in the sale is Your Song by Damien Hirst signed and inscribed “xxx for Elton + David love Damien Thank You,” estimated to fetch $350,000 to $450,000, and a portrait of John by Julian Schnabel predicted to bring in between $200,000 to $300,000. Additional blue-chip artworks coming across the block include pieces by Andy Warhol, Helmut Newton, Robert Mapplethorpe, Peter Beard, Herb Ritts, and Richard Avedon.
Collectors will also have the opportunity to bid on a 1990 Bentley Continental, Cartier watches, stage-worn costumes, and home goods, including a multitude of textiles, tableware, and other accents by Versace. Also coming up for auction is one of John’s conservatory grand pianos, currently carrying a presale estimate of $30,000 to $50,000, however, based on the soaring numbers achieved for Freddie Mercury’s instrument in Sotheby’s September sale, it’ll definitely be the lot to watch.
Leading up to the sale, Christie’s will transform its Rockefeller Center flagship with a series of immersive display giving fans an unprecedented view into the rocker’s life. Following the debut 50-lot live sale on February 21, live auctions for Important Photographs and Peachtree Road, encompassing decorative arts and interiors, will take place on February 22 and 23.
Online sales open for bids on February 9 and will close respectively on February 27 with Elton’s Versace, Honky Château, and The Jewel Box (123 lots). The second day of online sales will end on February 28 with Love, Lust, and Devotion; Elton’s Superstars (celebrity portraiture), and Out of the Closet. Cumulatively, the eight-part sale covers close to 1,000 lots.
See a selection of highlights below:
