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Elton John's Photographs Sell Well
Friday, October 15 2004

Photographs from the collection of rock star Sir Elton John sold for more than half a million pounds at auction on October 14, 2004.

Over 100 pictures from the musician’s prestigious collection went under the hammer at Christie’s in New York. Robert Mapplethorpe’s Vase with White Tulips, from 1988, attracted the highest bids, stretching well beyond its estimate to fetch nearly £47,000.

Another Mapplethorpe work, entitled Calla Lily, from 1987, also sold above the expected price, attracting just over £30,000. The second highest seller was Irving Penn’s Mermaid Dress, which sold for over £32,000.

One of the most anticipated lots of the night was Ansel Adams’ photograph, The Tetons and the Snake River, Grand Teton Park, Wyoming, 1942, which sold for over £24,000.

Sir Elton decided to sell a few of the works in his collection, simply because he already had so many in the same styles.

Speaking ahead of the auction, held at the auction house’s Rockefeller Plaza site in Manhattan, he said: “I never get fed up with looking at the images. I can honestly say that of all things I’ve collected in my life, nothing has been dearer to me than collecting photography.”

Another work by Adams, St Francis Church, Rancho de Taos, New Mexico, from 1929, sold for nearly £14,700. And another Penn, depicting Woody Allen as Chaplin, sold for nearly £11,500.

Christie’s said it was delighted with the results. Many of the photographs sold for well above their estimates. Among the pictures were still life, portraits and fashion photography.

Sir Elton began collecting photographs in 1991, and his collection is now regarded as one of the leading private photography collections in the world. From major vintage 20th century modernist works to cutting-edge contemporary images, the collection now holds over 4,000 fine art photographs.

Josh Holdeman, International Director and Head of the Photographs Department at Christie’s, said: “The sale of certain acquisitions from time to time often proves a very useful endeavour, ensuring the collection’s continued integrity.”

Related News

  • The Elton John Photograph Collection at Christie's
        Thursday, October 14 2004 at 13:03:28


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