Last autumn, John and his husband-manager David Furnish sold their expansive 13,000-plus-square-foot Atlanta residence for over $7.2 million. Originally purchased by John in the 1990s, the decision to sell comes as they consolidate their collection of artworks and personal memorabilia.
Among the notable items up for auction are John’s Yamaha conservatory grand piano, which he used to compose hit Broadway shows like “Billy Elliot” and “Aida,” with an estimated price of $50,000. Also included is Julian Schnabel’s portrait of John, valued at $300,000, and a Banksy triptych from 2017, featuring a masked man throwing a bouquet of flowers, expected to fetch $1.5 million. Within the collection of the singer, a wealth of original Keith Haring art is also up for the fall of the gavel. Additionally, iconic pieces from John’s wardrobe, such as his sunglasses, silver platform boots with his initials, and a 1970s costume designed by Annie Reavey, will be available for bidding.
During his time in Georgia, John curated an extensive collection of artworks, including pieces by renowned artists like Dorothea Lange, André Kertész, Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman, and Robert Mapplethorpe. His passion for photography was nurtured by local gallerist Jane Jackson, who later became the director of the Sir Elton John Photography Collection in 2003. Some of these artworks were previously showcased in exhibitions such as “The Radical Eye” at Tate Modern in 2016–17.
Works from John’s collection were also featured in the 2000 exhibition “Chorus of Light” at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. Many of these pieces will now be available for public sale for the first time since 2003, offering collectors a unique opportunity to own a part of the legendary singer’s cherished collection.
For more information on any of the artists featured, contact sales@andipa.com or call +44 (0)20 7581 1244.