Farewell, Peachtree Road. Elton John's American collection goes up for auction.

Beginning Feb. 9 through Feb. 21, the halls of New York’s Rockefeller Center will be transformed into an immersive exhibition on the world of Elton John, The Collection of Sir Elton John: Farewell Peachtree Road. From 21 to 28, the personal collection will then be presented at auction by Christie ’s America. In fact, the British singer has cleared out his American residence in Atlanta, deciding to auction off numerous memorabilia in eight sessions, totaling 900 items. This extraordinary series of auctions offers collectors a chance to acquire a fragment of his rich and varied history.

Christie’s auction rooms in New York will transform into a space that will reveal to visitors an in-depth look at the life of one of the most influential rock musicians of the 20th century. Atlanta, a pivotal city in the singer’s biography, not only represented his point of reference while touring the United States, but also provided a place of comfort and support within the city’s warm community and recovery facilities. The Triangle Club, in particular, played a crucial role in his recovery journey. The musician had cemented his relationship with the city by purchasing starting in 1992 the condominium at Park Place on Peachtree Road, which inspired the title of his 27th album, released in 2004: Goodbye, Peachtree Road.

Over the years, Elton John has assembled a distinctive collection of artwork, objects and memorabilia for his Peachtree Road home, having functioned as a personal sanctuary with collections of art glass, antiques and artifacts collected during his travels around the world. Among the highlights being auctioned is the 1992 Yamaha grand piano. Fans and buyers will have the opportunity to explore Elton’s life in depth through his intense passion for photography, which he has nurtured fervently since the 1990s. Encountering an art gallery atmosphere, he has adorned the walls of his Atlanta mansion with works by visionary artists such as Andy Warhol, Helmut Newton, Robert Mapplethorpe, Peter Beard, Herb Ritts, Richard Avedon and many others.

Items for sale include pieces created especially for Elton and her husband David Furnish, including a portrait by Julian Schnabel titled Portrait of Elton and Your Song by Damien Hirst, signed with dedication xxx for Elton + David love Damien. Thank you. Works of art are present (the highest estimate, $1-1.5 million, is for a Banksy triptych, and then works by Keith Haring, Cindy Sherman, Gilbert & George, Tracey Emin).Also among the objects are stage costumes from the artist’s eclectic wardrobe, including An Ivory and Gold Ensemble, an outfit designed by Annie Reavey, c. 1971, which holds historical significance as one of the first sets of stagewear created exclusively for the artist. In addition to this, there are also the famous boots with red leather letters E and J on the sides, platforms with red and white stripes, worn during numerous performances during the 1970s. The auction will also include the elaborate Versace upholstery that graced the Atlanta residence, along with an extraordinary selection of Versace items, including 1993 vintage shirts by Gianni Versace, a testament to the close ties with the designer and the rest of the family. These items will be sold in the last auction of the series, set for Feb. 27.

Christie’s commemoration of Elton John’s farewell to Peachtree Road will continue through a series of live auctions: on Feb. 22, with Important Photographs, and on Feb. 23, with Peachtree Road, focusing on decorative arts and interiors. Online sales, which started Feb. 9, will conclude Feb. 27, presenting Elton’s Versace, Honky Château and the jewelry auction, respectively. The second session of online sales will end on Feb. 28, offering Love, Lust and Devotion, Elton’s Superstars (an auction of important photographs: Herb Ritt’s shots in particular stand out) and Out of the Closet (an auction of clothes and costumes).

“It is a real privilege for Christie’s,” emphasizes Tash Perrin, Vice President of Christie’s America, "to be able to collaborate with Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish in curating the upcoming auction, The Collection of Sir Elton John: Farewell Peachtree Road. This extraordinary collection not only showcases the wide range of extraordinary objects that encapsulate Elton’s unique life, work and art, but also provides our clients with a glimpse into the profound impact the city of Atlanta had on him. In the two weeks leading up to the auctions, Christie’s Rockefeller Center Galleries will be transformed into a series of specially designed immersive gallery spaces that offer a dynamic view into Elton John’s world. We take immense pride in presenting this multi-category sale, featuring a fine collection of photographs, artwork, fashion and costumes-a testament to the man’s eclectic vision, artistry and impeccable taste."

Farewell, Peachtree Road. Elton John's American collection goes up for auction.

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