Elton John‘s music is nothing short of exuberant. The same can be said of his extensive collection of art and ephemera, some of which will soon be hitting auction via Christie’s. Sourced exclusively from his Atlanta residence, “The Collection of Sir Elton John” contains an extraordinary list of work, such as a Banksy triptych of a man throwing flowers that was sold to the British musician by the elusive artist.
Standouts within the lot include paintings from celebrated masters, such as Sol Lewitt and Keith Haring, along with photographs by Helmut Newton and Robert Mapplethorpe. The collection “reflects the sensibility of a singular artist, one whose work and vision is admired the world over,” wrote Christie’s. John first chose to nestle in Atlanta in 1990, during his rehab from drugs and alcohol. On top of the Southern hospitality, it’s in the Georgia capital where he furthered his love for photography, thanks in part to local gallerist, Jane Jackson.
John has never been one to just hoard goods, however, and rather lives with everything he owns. But as his husband, David Furnish, tells The New York Times: “You have to reach a stage where you can’t just continue to accumulate,” adding, “It is a very emotional decision.”
The sale also features many articles of clothing and accessories that John once wore on tour, including a pair of his silver leather platform boots and sunglasses, both worn during gigs in the ’70s. “The Collection of Sir Elton John” will commence on February 21 at 5pm ET. Browse the full collection online.
