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 – The Collection Of Sir Elton John: Goodbye Peachtree Road. 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.”
Elton John (Album Cover Variant)
Estimate $6,000 – 8,000
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. Among them is Damien Hirst‘s “Your Song” signed and inscribed ‘xxx for Elton + David love Damien Thank You,’ with an estimated value of $350,000-450,000; as well as 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 (estimated at $8,000 to $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.
Selected Highlights from The Collection of Sir Elton John: Goodbye Peachtree Road – February 21, 2023
Lot 12
Cartier. A highly desirable and rare 18k gold limited edition asymmetrical wristwatch with ‘crash’ deployant clasp.
Signed Cartier, Paris, ‘Crash’ model, case no. A108446, no. 150/400, circa 1991.
Limited edition of 400 pieces
Estimate : $70,000-100,000 | £55,000-78,000 | €64,000-91,000
Lot 9
Rolex. An exuberant and rare 18k gold, diamond, and orange sapphire automatic chronograph wristwatch with ‘Leopard’ Dial
Signed Rolex, ‘Leopard’ Daytona Model, Ref. 116598saco, Case No. K591067, Circa 2001
Estimate: $40,000-60,000 | £32,000-47,000 | €37,000-55,000
Lot 912
Cartier, ref. 2495, Pasha, a very rare limited edition 18k white gold and diamond set automatic wristwatch with cloisonné dial
Circa: 2000s
Estimate : $15,000-25,000 | £12,000-20,000 | €14,000-23,000
Lot 38
Cartier. A possibly unique and opulent 18k white gold and baguette diamond-set rectangular wristwatch with baguette sapphire dial and diamond-set clasp.
Signed Cartier, Paris, tank normale model, case no. 646’570, circa 2000s
Possibly unique
Estimate : $20,000-30,000 | £16,000-24,000 | €19,000-27,000
Lot 325
Chopard. A piece unique 18k white gold and diamond set automatic chronograph wristwatch with date.
Signed Chopard. Elton John aids foundation piece unique model. Ref. 1279, case no. 1753500, circa 2010s.
Estimate: $10,000-15,000 | £7,900-12,000 | €9,100-14,000
Lot 400
Audemars Piguet. An 18k white gold and sapphire set quartz wristwatch with blue mother of pearl dial and date.
Signed Audemars Piguet, 33 mm. Royal Oak model, case no. D40651, no. 107, circa 1990s.
Estimate: $10,000-15,000 | £7,900-12,000 | €9,100-14,000
Lot 324
Cartier London. A possibly unique platinum, diamond, and ruby baguette set rectangular wristwatch.
Signed cartier, London tank model, clasp no. 46791, circa 1980s.
Estimate : $15,000-25,000 | £12,000-20,000 | €14,000-23,000
Lot 398
Cartier. An 18k white gold and diamond set monopusher chronograph wristwatch.
Signed Cartier, tortue monopoussoir model, ref. 2396g, case no. 18319ce, circa 2000s.
Estimate: $15,000-25,000 | £12,000-20,000 | €14,000-23,000
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* 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.