Elton John is selling the contents of his former Atlanta condo, with a hotly anticipated auction at Christie’s New York. Sales got off to a roaring start on Wednesday night, with the first 49 lots totaling $8m. The Collection of Elton John: Goodbye Peach Road will comprise eight sales in total with a mix of online and live auctions taking place over the next eight days.
The music legend sold his skyscraper condo on Peach Road for $7m in November. He bought the property back in 1992, filling his home with an assortment of artworks, objects and memorabilia.
Among the treasures to go under the hammer on opening night was a pair of John’s iconic silver platform boots monogrammed with the letters E and J in red leather from 1971 which sold for $94,500 – 19 times the low estimate of $5,000.
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Other high-ticket items include Banksy’s Flower Thrower Triptych John bought directly from the artist which fetched $1,925,500; the singer’s Bentley Continental which brought in $441,000; and a pair of signature prescription Sir Winston sunglasses which sold for $22,680.
Several of John’s unique timepieces also went up for sale, including a Rolex Daytona wristwatch with a leopard-print dial which sold for $176,400, setting a new world auction record for the model; a limited-edition Cartier, Paris, ‘Crash’ which fetched $277,200; and a Signed Cartier, Paris, Tank Normale which sold for $176,400.
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In a nod to John’s longstanding friendship with the Versace family, a collection of Vintage Gianni Versace silk shirts sold for $30,240 – more than seven times their low estimate.
“The view from the rostrum this evening was fantastic; with an incredible energy in the room and outstanding activity online,” said Tash Perin, deputy chairman at Christie’s America. “It was our privilege to auction Elton John’s inspiring collection. We could not be more excited as we embark on the day sales beginning tomorrow morning.”
The event continues at Christie’s in NYC’s Rockefeller Center – and online – through February 28 (we’ve included details of the dedicated auctions below). Items yet to go on the block include a portrait of John by Julian Schnabel and an ivory-and-gold ensemble from the performer’s iconic stage wardrobe designed by Annie Reavey in 1971.
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Perin commented: “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.”
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The Collection of Sir Elton John: Goodbye Peachtree Road, online sales:
The Collection of Sir Elton John: Elton’s Versace | 9 – 27 February
The Collection of Sir Elton John: Honky Château | 9 – 27 February
The Collection of Sir Elton John: The Jewel Box | 9 – 27 February
The Collection of Sir Elton John: Love, Lust and Devotion | 9 – 28 February
The Collection of Sir Elton John: Elton’s Superstars | 9 – 28 February
The Collection of Sir Elton John: Out of the Closet | 9 – 28 February
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