George Michael’s private art collection to go on display at Christie’s before being auctioned for charity
The historic works will be open to public view at Christie’s King Street, London from 9-14 March.
By Will Stroude
George Michael’s private art collection is set to go on display at Christie’s in London before being auctioned for charity next week.
More than 200 pieces from the late musician’s personal collection will be available for public veiwing at the famous auction house from 9-14 March ahead of the sale on the evening of 14 March, with the proceeds being used to continue Michael’s philanthropic work.
Christie’s will also undergo a special multi-media makeover as it welcomes the collection, with four of George’s most beloved records Faith, Patience, Older and Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 being represented at the exhibit.
Michael, who unexpectedly passed away on Christmas Day 2016 from natural causes, amassed an impressive collection of contemporary art over the course of his career.
Pieces of historic note included in the sale include Tracey Emin’s ‘Drunk to the Bottom of my Soul’ (2002); Damien Hirst’s ‘The Incomplete Truth’ (2006), and Michael Craig-Martin’s ‘Commissioned Portrait Untitled (George)’ (2007, pictured below).
Michael Craig-Martin, Commissioned Portrait Untitled (George) (2007, estimate: £40,000-60,000)
Online bidding is set to kick off on Friday (8 March), with some pieces expected to reach up to £1.5million – though with some estimates beginning from £400, both fans and collectors alike will have the chance to bid for a piece of George Michael history.
Cristian Albu, Co-Head Post-War & Contemporary of Christie’s, said of the sale: “We are honoured to have been entrusted with The George Michael Collection, which represents a unique opportunity for collectors, art lovers and experts, as well as for the legions of George Michael fans across the world.
“The collection is a celebration of the YBA movement’s spirit of creativity and adventure in the late 1990s, with works ranging from the poetry of Tracey Emin to the transcendence of death manifested by Damien Hirst, and reflects every aspect of this dynamic moment in British cultural history.”
George Michael’s Trustees added: “The Art Collection of George Michael reflects the friendships built between one of the UK’s most acclaimed musical artists and the visual artists who were creating artworks at a seminal moment in British cultural history.
“Philanthropic work was hugely important for George during his lifetime and it was his wish that this work would continue after his passing.”