Pattie Boyd, the woman who inspired love songs written by both George Harrison and Eric Clapton, has teamed up with Christie’s to auction an intriguing array of personal effects, from jewellery and clothing to love letters and treasured photographs.
Pattie Boyd, a top British model of the 1960s, has the distinction of having stolen the hearts of two legendary greats from the world of music. Married first to Beatle George Harrison and then to guitar idol Eric Clapton, Boyd was both the muse for Harrison’s classic tune Something and Clapton’s hit songs Layla and Wonderful Tonight.
In March, she is set to sell off a collection of 116 items hailing from her incredible past at an auction orchestrated by Christie’s.
“I’m happy to let go of these things which I have treasured and loved for so many years,” says Boyd ahead of the sale. “These items represent special moments in my life, but now I think it’s time to move on and share what I have with others.”
TREASURES FROM 1960S AND 1970S
Among the treasures being auctioned are a selection of photographs with Boyd both in front of and behind the camera. Included are: a black and white image from 1968 of Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and John Lennon in Rishikesh, India that was taken by Boyd; a polaroid snap of Eric Clapton playing guitar in 1977; a picture taken by Boyd of she and Harrison in their garden at Kinfauns, England in 1968; and an image of a rather solemn-looking Boyd taken by The Beatle’s photographer Robert Whitaker at her Surrey home. The various photos are anticipated to fetch between £800 and £6,000 (€935 to €7,000) at auction.
Also in the collection are: love letters written to Boyd from Harrison and Clapton; the original artwork La jeune fille au bouquet by Emile Frandsen De Schomberg that was used for the cover of the Derek and The Dominos’ album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, which is estimated to sell for between £40,000 to £60,000 (€47,000 to €70,000); and lyrics for songs and set lists written by her famous husbands.
Fans can also expect a stunning selection of jewellery and watches, such as an Art Déco diamond bracelet-watch with an estimated going price of £4,000 to £6,000 (€4,700 to €7,000), as well as vintage 1960s clothing from The Fool Collective, which is expected to sell in the £800 to £1,500 (€935 to €1,750) range.
“Pattie Boyd’s extraordinary life and career chart some of the key moments of the cultural revolution that changed the world in the 1960s,” says Adrian Hume-Sayer, Director of Private & Iconic Collections and Head of Sale at Christie’s London. “This unique collection includes an array of cherished personal letters, photographs and mementoes, which provide a tangible link to that amazing time.”
The auction will be held online on the Christie’s website from 8th to 22nd March, with public viewings at Christie’s London possible between 15th and 21st March.
To view the full catalogue of lots, click here.
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Main photo of Boyd and Harrison in their garden in Surrey. Photo courtesy of Christie’s