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THE COLLECTION OF SIR ELTON JOHN: GOODBYE PEACHTREE ROAD

To debut at Christie’s New York - February 21, 2024
Private Collections and Country House Sales
New York Americas 11 January 2024
THE COLLECTION OF SIR ELTON JOHN: GOODBYE PEACHTREE ROAD
TERRY O'NEILL (1938–2019) Elton John (Album Cover Variant), Estimate $6,000 – 8,000

NEW YORK - This February, Christie's will present the iconic property from music legend Elton John’s former Atlanta home in a series of landmark sales at Christie’s Rockefeller Center. Beginning with an evening sale on Wednesday, February 21, the series will be comprised of 8 sales in total, both live and online. The auctions of this extraordinary collection represent a turning point in the celebrated singer's personal journey and offers collectors a rare opportunity to own a piece of its rich history.

The city of Atlanta played a crucial role in John’s life, becoming the hub he would return to throughout his numerous tours within the United States. He solidified this connection to Atlanta in 1992 when he acquired the condominium in Park Place, on Peachtree Road. His unexpected choice of Atlanta as a residence was driven by personal reasons. After becoming sober in 1990, he found solace and support in the warm community and recovery facilities of the city, such as the Triangle Club, which played a critical part in his recovery.

Tash Perrin, Deputy Chairman, Christie’s Americas, remarks: “It is a distinct privilege for Christie's to partner with Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish in curating the forthcoming auction: 'The Collection of Sir Elton John: Goodbye Peachtree Road.' 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. In the two weeks leading up to the sales, Christie's Rockefeller Center Galleries will transform into a series of specially designed immersive spaces, offering a dynamic view into the world of Elton John. 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.”

Over the years, Elton John assembled a distinctive collection of works of art, objects and memorabilia, many of them crafted specifically for his home on Peachtree Road. Fans will discover an in-depth look at Elton John’s deep passion for photographs, which he began collecting avidly in the 1990s. Creating a gallery-like atmosphere, he adorned the walls of his Atlanta residence with pieces by pioneering artists, such as Andy Warhol, Helmut Newton, Robert Mapplethorpe, Peter Beard, Herb Ritts, Richard Avedon and more.

Also included in the collection are highly intimate artworks crafted personally for Elton John and his husband David Furnish, including a portrait of Elton John by Julian Schnabel, estimated to be worth $200,000-300,000.

The sale also highlights a selection of fashion pieces from the iconic performer's dazzling stage wardrobe, including a noteworthy Ivory and Gold Ensemble designed by Annie Reavey in circa 1971. This ensemble (estimate $8,000 - 12,000) holds historical significance as one of the initial sets of stage attire crafted exclusively for Elton John.

A testament to Elton John’s eclectic tastes, his Atlanta apartment featured elaborate Versace upholstery—a nod to John's longstanding friendship with the Versace family. Included in the sale is an incredible group of Versace items including a selection of vintage Gianni Versace shirts estimated at $4,000-6,000, in addition to tableware and home décor. The condo served as a personal sanctuary with a grand piano (estimate $30,000-50,000) art glass collections, antiques, and artifacts from his global travels.

Christie’s celebration of Elton John’s farewell to Peachtree Road will continue with a series of live day sales: on February 22, Important Photographs, and on February 23, Peachtree Road, featuring decorative arts and interiors.

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. The second day of online sales will end on February 28 with Love and Lust, Elton’s Superstars and Out of the Closet.

The exhibition will be free and open to the public from February 9 through February 21 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Christie’s 20 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City.

Sale Dates:
EVENING SALE
Opening Night - Wednesday 21 February 2024 at 5:00pm

THE DAY SALE
SESSION I - Important Photographs - Thursday 22 February 2024 at 10:00am
SESSION II - Peachtree Road - Friday 23 February 2024 at 10:00am

ONLINE SALES
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 27 2024
Elton’s Versace – 10:00am
Honky Château – 12:00pm
The Jewel Box – 2:00pm

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 28 2024
Love and Lust – 10:00am
Elton’s Superstars – 12:00pm
Out of the Closet – 2:00pm

EXHIBITION
Open to the public from February 9 – 21
Monday – Saturday from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday 1:00 PM – 5:00 pm
Christie’s – 20 Rockefeller Plaza – for additional visit our website

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About Christie’s

Founded in 1766, Christie’s is a world-leading art and luxury business with a physical presence in 46 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific, and flagship   international sales hubs  in New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris and Geneva. Renowned and trusted for our expert live and online-only auctions, as well as bespoke Private Sales, Christie’s unparalleled network of specialists offers our clients a full portfolio of  global services, including art appraisal, art financing, international real estate and education. Christie’s  auctions span more than  80 art and luxury categories, at price points ranging from $500 to over $100 million. Christie’s has sold 7 of the 10 most important single-owner collections in history, achieved the world record price for an artwork at auction, launched the first  fully on-chain auction platform dedicated to exceptional NFT art and manages an investment fund to support innovative startups in the art market. Christie’s is also committed to advancing  responsible culture  throughout its business and communities worldwide. To learn more, browse, bid, discover, and join us for the best of art and luxury at christies.com or by downloading Christie’s apps.


* Please note when quoting estimates above that other fees will apply in addition to the hammer price - see Section D of the Conditions of Sale at the back of the sale catalogue. *Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyer’s premium.

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