Goodbye Peachtree Road

Terry O’Neill’s Elton John album cover photograph from 1974.

Sir Elton John’s auction was a mesmerizing spectacle, showcasing everything from jewels, boots, glasses, and suits to artwork. Spanning seven days from February 21 to 28, the Christie’s event garnered over $20 million for the musician’s collection, featuring more than 900 items.

All the items featured in the auction originated from Sir Elton John’s Atlanta condo, which he sold last year. This condo served as his US residence for 32 years and was swiftly snapped up by an unnamed buyer just weeks after being listed for sale. Remarkably, the buyer paid double the asking price, a staggering $7.2 million, marking one of the highest-priced condo sales in Atlanta’s history. Elton John initially acquired the condo in 1991 when it was a modest 2,500-square-foot duplex at Park Place on Peachtree. Over the years, he expanded it by purchasing five additional apartments within the building, transforming it into a sprawling 13,500-square-foot condominium by the time of its sale. Noteworthy for its unconventional floor plan and diverse contents, the condo served as a showcase for John's photography collection and boasted luxurious amenities including a gym, massage room, and a lavish onyx-covered bathroom, all complemented by a breathtaking skyline view. While the gallery space within the condo ignited a frenzy among potential buyers, the significance of the property extends beyond its aesthetic appeal. John acquired the condo shortly after sobriety in 1990, seeking solace and support within its warm community and recovery facilities, as noted by Christie’s.

The auction house of Christie’s underwent a remarkable transformation, resembling more of a homage to Elton John during this extraordinary event. With a total of eight sales—two conducted in person and six online—the auction featured over 900 lots, captivating fans and collectors alike with a curated selection of photographs, artworks, fashion, and costumes.

Among the highlights were iconic garments and accessories, such as an ivory and gold glam rock jumpsuit from the early 1970s by Annie Reavey, which fetched $12,600. John’s signature sunglasses also garnered attention, with one pair selling for $22,680, surpassing its initial estimate tenfold. A pair of silver leather platform boots adorned with the letters ‘E’ and ‘J’, worn by John throughout the 1970s, sold for an impressive $94,500, far exceeding its estimated value of $5,000 to $10,000. Additionally, a set of seven silk shirts from the Gianni Versace 1993 Spring/Summer Signature collection fetched $30,240, while an 18-karat gold Rolex watch with a leopard-print dial commanded $176,400.

A pair of silver leather platform boots adorned with the letters ‘E’ and ‘J’. Photograph by Brendan McDermid/Reuters.

Costumes worn by Elton John. Photograph by Brendan McDermid/Reuters.

An ivory and gold ensemble made by the designer Annie Reavey (1971), in padded Lurex. Credit: Vincent Tullo for The New York Times.

The auction also featured an extensive art collection, including works by renowned artists such as Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Richard Avedon. Co-curated by John and his husband David Furnish, the “Love, Lust and Devotion” collection sold for $1.1 million. Notably, a Banksy original titled “Flower Thrower Triptych” exceeded expectations, fetching nearly $2 million. Other artworks included a heart-shaped piece by Damien Hirst featuring John and Furnish, estimated at $350,000-450,000.

Banksy, “Flower Thrower Triptych,” 2017.

Damien Hirst, Your Song, 2008.

Additionally, a variety of other items were auctioned, including Sir Elton John’s Yamaha Conservatory grand piano, which fetched over $200,000. A 1990 Bentley Continental convertible exceeded expectations, selling for $441,000, more than ten times its high estimate. According to Christie’s, the car was a source of excitement whenever John drove it in Atlanta. The Elton John edition Pinball Machine raised $69,300, with all proceeds going to the Elton John AIDS Foundation. A neon sign reading “Horny?!”—designed by photographer and music video director David LaChapelle for John's residency at Caesars Palace—sold for $26,450. Additionally, a collection of ruby-colored Versace porcelain dinnerware adorned with the face of Medusa fetched $55,440.

Elton John’s 1990 Bentley Continental Convertible. Credit: Christie's.

A collection of Versace porcelain dinnerware. Credit: Christie's.

Details of all items sold are available on Christie’s website.

In just one week, more than 3,500 people from 34 countries registered for the opportunity to bid on the auction. Initially projected to reach $10 million in sales, the auction surpassed this estimate after just two sales, with six more online auctions remaining. By the end of the event, the final sales figures had doubled expectations. Following the end of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour in July of the previous year, Elton John officially retired from touring. Reflecting on the sale of his cherished Atlanta home, he expressed heartfelt sentiments, stating, “I’ve lived here for 30 years, and I’ve loved every single minute. So I will take you with me in my heart, in my soul, and I’ll never forget you.” This auction signified the end of a remarkable era in the life and career of this legendary musician.