Christie's to Offer Trove of Sir Elton John's Artworks and Collectibles

Auction January 14, 2024 Rebecca Schiffman

Christie's

TERRY O'NEILL (1938–2019) Elton John (Album Cover Variant) (Detail). Estimate $6,000 – $8,000.

Christie’s plans to auction an extensive collection of art, furniture, and collector’s items from Sir Elton John’s former home in Atlanta, Georgia. "The Collection of Elton John: Goodbye Peachtree Road" will take place over eight live and online auctions kicking off at 5:00 p.m. on February 21, with the live sale, The Collection of Sir Elton John: Opening Night. The auction will feature works by major artists alongside fashion pieces from the British legend’s iconic wardrobe, and over-the-top Versace furniture from his Atlanta apartment. According to the New York Times, this will be Elton John’s first auction in 21 years, and is expected to earn the star $10 million.

The sale is inspired by the six-time Grammy winner's relationship with the city of Atlanta. John became enamored with Atlanta in the 1990s, finding it to be a warm and welcoming community. He settled down in a duplex at Park Place, on Peachtree Road in the tony Buckhead neighborhood. From then on, Peachtree became his home base where he would return between his concerts and tours.

Courtesy Christie's

Julian Schnabel, I'm a girl in your head and a boy in your bed, 1997. Oil, enamel and resin on canvas, in artist's frame. Overall: 107 ½ x 102 in. (273 x 259 cm.)

The Peachtree apartment was not just a home for John and his husband, David Furnish, but also for their sprawling art collection, examples of which will be on sale at Christie’s. A highlighted piece on sale is by Damien Hirst, Your Song, which is signed and inscribed ‘xxx for Elton + David love Damien Thank You.’ This Hirst work is estimated at $350,000 to $450,000. A triptych by Banksy, among the pricier items on offer, has a low estimate of $1 million.

Some other exciting works that’ll be on the block include Richard Avedon’s classic 1981 photograph of Nastassja Kinski with a serpent and pieces by Julian Schnabel made especially for the singer. There will also be works by Keith Haring, Cindy Sherman, Gilbert & George, and Ryan McGinley, alongside hundreds of photographs by Alfred Stieglitz, Rudolf Koppitz, and André Kertész.

In addition to Elton John’s extensive art collection, the sale will also include some incredible fashion items. These include costumes John worn on stage at his shows, such as this incredible ivory and gold Annie Reavey ensemble circa 1971 or Elton’s blue wool ‘Captain Fantastic’ suit, to get a taste. Or, perhaps you’re more interested in Elton John’s iconic silver and red platform boots, which are estimated at $5,000 to $10,000.

Courtesy Christie's

BANKSY (B. 1975), Flower Thrower Triptych, 2010. Signed and dated 'Banksy 2010' (on the reverse of the left panel). Spray paint on canvas in artist's frame, in three parts
Left panel: 33 ¼ x 25 ¼ in. (84.5 x 64.1 cm.)
Center panel: 42 x 30 in. (106.7 x 76.2 cm.)
Right panel: 16 5⁄8 x 20 5⁄8 in. (45 x 42 cm.)
Overall: 42 x 80 in. (106.7 x 203.2 cm.)

The jewels offered in this sale, too, are incredible and over the top. There is a highly desirable and rare Cartier watch inspired by Salvador Dalí's painting of melting clocks that is estimated at $70,000 to $100,000, a Cartier sapphire ring estimated between $50,000 and 80,000, and a sapphire and diamond pendant necklace.

And, it wouldn’t be an Elton John sale without a pair of his crazy eyeglasses (see this pair with yellow X’s against a pink and purple ground lens) and the Rocket Man’s own grand piano. If one lucky bidder gets both the glasses and the piano, they too, could perhaps become the Piano Man.

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