(London) Pattie Boyd was at the epicenter of the 1960s, but not always the center of attention.
The model and photographer, who was often in the shadow of her husbands, rock icons George Harrison and Eric Clapton, came into the spotlight thanks to a multitude of letters, photos and other items that she sold at the Christie’s auction house.
The collection, which has been on public display since Friday at Christie’s headquarters in London, provides a glimpse into the heart of the counterculture of the 1960s and 1970s. The 111 lots for sale include affectionate letters from Harrison and Clapton, as well as as clothes, jewelry, drawings and photographs – some made by Boyd and others where she appears.
If the 79-year-old woman feels a pang at the idea of separating from them, she doesn’t let it show.
“I look back without emotion,” she told The Associated Press. I can feel slightly sentimental, but not emotional. »
“I’ve lived with all these photographs and objects for so long – 40, 50 years,” she explained.
“I want other people to benefit from it. »
PHOTO ALBERTO PEZZALI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
A Christmas card written by George Harrison is up for auction.
Boyd is famous as a musicians’ muse. She is the inspiration for the Beatles song, Somethingcomposed for her by George Harrison, as well as for the torrid Layla and the sweet Wonderful Tonightby Eric Clapton.
Auction includes love letters from Clapton, written while Boyd was married to Harrison, original cover art from Derek and The Dominos’ 1970 album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs and a painting of a blonde model who reminded Boyd of Clapton. The painting is estimated at between 40,000 and 60,000 pounds (between CAN$69,000 and $103,000).
Harrison’s handwritten lyrics for the song Mystical One are offered at an estimated price of between 30,000 and 50,000 pounds (between $52,000 and $86,000 CAN).
Boyd is an accomplished photographer and the sale includes both large-scale portraits and informal Polaroids of Harrison, Clapton and other musicians including Mick Jagger, Pete Townshend and Ronnie Wood.
Taken as a whole, the collection is both personal and revealing.
PHOTO JUSTIN TALLIS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Some of the dresses worn by Pattie Boyd.
In one room is an acid green and psychedelic pink mini dress worn by Pattie Boyd in the 1960s. In another is a grandfather clock that was a wedding gift given to Boyd and Harrison by the Beatles’ manager, Brian Epstein, in 1966.
There are handwritten letters from Harrison and a handmade Christmas card he gave to Boyd in 1968.
Harrison and Boyd divorced in 1977 and he died in 2001. In his 2007 memoir, Boyd described Harrison as his soul mate.
Her turbulent ten-year marriage to Clapton, which ended in 1989, was marred – as the musician later admitted – by his alcoholism.
Boyd says she feels no bitterness.
“It was almost in another life,” she confided. And he has his own life and I have my own life. But that’s only a part of the story we shared. »
Pattie Boyd’s collection is on display at Christie’s until March 21. Online bidding ends March 22.