Fan favourites from Goodbye Peachtree Road

Ahead of the Christie’s auction, Goodbye Peachtree Road, Elton’s Senior Collections Manager, Stephen Goodman, shares a selection of standout lots.

Lot 04: A Pair Of Silver Leather Tall Platform Boots, circa 1971

This fabulous pair of monogrammed silver high-top platform boots with bold red stripes are a dazzling example of music-fashion history. The well-scuffed condition of these boots demonstrates how well-loved these were by Elton; he wore them on stage during many shows in the 1970s during his initial rocketing to stardom.

With its distinctively expressive design inspired by the vibrant spirit of 1960s swinging London, this incredibly rare watch is a testament to the timeless elegenace of Cartier, but with a twist. The surrealist design was a boundary-pushing departure from Cartier’s traditional style of Tank watches, for which the brand is renowned. It’s unique, original, and amusing – it perfectly embodies the essence of Elton himself. Limited to just 400 editions this sought-after timepiece is a real treasure from Elton’s private watch collection.

Lot 12: Cartier ‘Paris Crash’ Model Watch (Signed Cartier, Paris, 'Crash' Model, Case No. A108446, No. 150, Circa 1991)

Lot 1206: Cher and Elton, Hollywood 1975. By Ulvis Alberts.

Lot 1232, Marilyn Monroe, 1953. By Alfred Eisenstaedt.

Lot 1223, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, 1965. By David Bailey.

Also featured at Christie’s is a selection of photographs from Elton’s renowned Private Collection of Photography. There’s an impressive breadth of artists and subject matter on offer but here’s a spotlight on a few of the star-studded sitters of the film and music worlds, featuring fragile beauty Marilyn Monroe, the incomparable Cher (with Elton at the Rock Music Awards in Hollywood in 1975) and the legendary Beatles to name a few. Amongst them is a familiar image – a cover variant from Elton’s 1974-released Greatest Hits album. It was shot by Terry O’Neill who captured many iconic images of Elton on and off stage over the years.

It’s no secret that Elton has long been associated with a love of flowers! Acquired directly from Banksy in 2017 this iconic image, a genre-bending contemporary piece, is widely recognised as an emblem of peaceful protest.

Executed in spray paint on canvas in opulent gilt frames is the perfect example of Elton’s rich and varied tastes. The contrast of contemporary and traditional is an insight into the way in which Elton and David collect their art and style their homes, each residence with a different feel. It’s a fitting work to be the (estimated) highest value big ticket lot of the auction, predicted to fetch between $1 – 1.5 million.

Lot 13: Banksy ‘Flower Thrower Triptych’ (2017)

Lot 26: Two Louis Xiv-Style 'Fancy Dress' Costumes designed by Sandy Powell circa 1994.

Elton and David made a spectacular entrance at Elton’s 47th birthday party, held at Porchester Hall in London in 1994, donning these Louis XIV-style fancy dress costumes meticulously crafted by renowned British costume designer Sandy Powell. Elton exuded regal-camp-elegance in a cream and gold ensemble, while David commanded attention in a stunning blue attire, both reminiscent of the opulence and grandeur of the French royal court.

If you think these are fabulous – you should check out Elton’s 50^th birthday costume, again designed by Sandy Powell, it’s bigger, bolder, and so wonderfully ridiculous. See for yourself, it’s currently on exhibit in ‘DIVA’ at London’s Victoria & Albert musuem until 10^th April 2024.

A beautiful gift from Damien Hirst. Note the black and white image of Elton and David sitting central within this contemporary piece – for their 2005 civil partnership ceremony Elton and David released one official press photograph. Taken by Sam Taylor-Wood, it was used across the press at the time. Hirst uses that reference here as the focal point of his personalised emblematic gift for the couple. Titled ‘Your Song’ – this one’s for you!

Lot 24: Damien Hirst: ‘Your Song’ (2008)

Check out the full range of lots for sale at the Christie’s auctions:

THE DAY SALE

SESSION I – Important Photographs – Thursday 22 February 2024 at 10am

SESSION II – Peachtree Road – Friday 23 February 2024 at 10am

EVENING SALE

Wednesday 21 February 2024 at 5pm

ONLINE SALES

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 27 2024

Elton John and Gianni Versace – 10am

Honky Château – 12pm

The Jewel Box – 2pm

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 28 2024

Love and Lust – 10am

Elton’s Superstars – 12pm

Out of the Closet – 2pm

EXHIBITION

Open to the public from February 9 – 21

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