Achi news desk-
LONDON –
The online auction of a host of letters, photographs and other items from Pattie Boyd, who was at the heart of the Swinging 60s, came to an end on Friday — and it’s safe to say that it exceeded all expectations.
Christie’s, the world-renowned auction house, said its online sale of The Pattie Boyd Collection sold for about 2.82 million pounds (US$3.6 million), or more than seven times the pre-sale high estimate of about 380,000 pounds .
The collection, which went on public display at Christie’s headquarters in London last Friday, provided an insight into the heart of the counterculture of the 1960s and 70s.
The 111 lots up for sale included love letters from her iconic rock husbands George Harrison and Eric Clapton, along with clothes, jewellery, drawings and photographs – some by Boyd, some by her.
“I am completely overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of international bidders for these special treasures that I have always loved,” said Boyd. “I am so happy that new hearts will now enjoy them, as they enter their next ‘chapters’. I am lucky that my life today continues to bring me joy and different adventures – I would encourage people to follow their passions and live their lives with gusto!”
Boyd, 79, is famous as a musician’s muse, the inspiration for The Beatles song “Something,” which Harrison composed for her, as well as Clapton’s scorching “Layla” and sweet “Wonderful Tonight.”
The single most remarkable auction was the original artwork Clapton chose for the cover of Derek and The Dominos’ 1970 album “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs,” which sold for just under 2 million pounds (US$2.5 million), 33 times the former – high sales estimate.
Adrian Hume-Sayer, director at Christie’s London, said “the outstanding results of this landmark auction are a true testament to Pattie Boyd, model, photographer, muse and icon.”
