Elton John is to auction a vast collection of personal items in February. Most of the memorabilia will be from his recently sold luxury residence in Atlanta, Georgia.
Hundreds of lots will be on sale in over eight physical and online auctions, including one on the evening of 28 February at Christie’s in New York.
Collectors will have a chance to acquire gems such as concert costumes worn by the legendary British singer-pianist, for example. Highlights will include a 1970s ivory and gold ensemble designed by Annie Reavey, expected to sell between $8,000 and $12,000.
The British musician, known for hits like 'Your Song,' 'Rocket Man,' 'I’m Still Standing,' and 'Sacrifice,” his flamboyant outfits, and his commitment to AIDS activism, used his Atlanta home as a base for his US tours.
Once plagued by problems with drug and alcohol addiction, Elton John found solace in the supportive Atlanta community upon becoming sober in 1990. The auction house indicates that local recovery centres such as the Triangle Club played a significant role in his recovery journey.
John’s collection, curated with his husband David Furnish, features artwork by Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Richard Avedon, reflecting the couple’s taste for contemporary arts.
A triptych of the famous 'Flower Thrower' by elusive artist Banksy will be the star lot of the 28 February sale. It expected to reach between $1 and 1.5 million.
