London — In the Swinging 60s, Pattie Boyd was the focus of attention, but not always. The model and photographer, who was often overshadowed by her rock icon husbands George Harrison and Eric Clapton, shines in Christie's sale of her letters, photos, and other things.
The exhibit, which opened Friday at Christie's London offices, shows the 1960s and 1970s counterculture. Clothing, jewelry, sketches, and photographs of Boyd and herself are among the 111 things for sale. Harrison and Clapton wrote love letters.
“I’ve lived with all of these photographs and objets for so long — 40, 50 years,” she remarked. “I want others to enjoy them.” Harrison composed “Something” for Boyd, and Clapton's fiery “Layla” and soft “Wonderful Tonight” were inspired by her.
Clapton's love letters from Boyd's marriage to Harrison and Derek and The Dominos' 1970 album "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs," a painting of a blond model who reminded Clapton of Boyd, are up for auction. The picture could sell for 40,000–60,000 pounds ($51,000–$76,000.).
Harrison is selling his handwritten “Mystical One” lyrics for 30,000 to 50,000 pounds ($38,000 to $63,000). Boyd, a talented photographer, sold huge portraits and informal Polaroids of Harrison, Clapton, Mick Jagger, Pete Townshend, and Ronnie Wood.
“This is a snapshot of her life,” said Christie’s head of sale Adrian Hume-Sayer. Even as unknown 1960s music memorabilia becomes scarcer, Hume-Sayer said demand is rising. “This is unusual because it’s primary provenance,” he said. "A lot of material is available on the secondary market..." This is from the individual who was there. Pattie always had this.
That visceral link with (a) moment that means so much to so many people makes it so interesting.” Overall, the collection is intimate and revealing.
Boyd's 1960s acid green and pink minidress is in one room. In 1966, Beatles manager Brian Epstein gave Boyd and Harrison an elaborate grandfather clock for their wedding. Harrison sent Boyd a 1968 Christmas card and handwritten letters saying “say hello to Hubby!”
Clapton's exquisite handwritten letters and postcards depict rock celebrity life. He says he's going to Montserrat “to work on Sting's album.” I'm in South America, says another. Everyone has upset stomachs.” Harrison divorced Boyd in 1977; he died in 2001. Boyd called Harrison her soulmate in a 2007 memoir. Clapton later admitted that his alcoholism ruined his 10-year marriage, which ended in 1989.
“That was almost like another lifetime ago,” she remarked. He has his own life, and I do too. But this is just our shared history.” Mostly, she remembers the “great fun” of the 1960s, a seismic creative period that resonates today. “I sometimes see a girl wearing what I would have worn in the 60s walking down a London street,” she added. It was how many years ago? It makes me smile.”
Christie's is showing Pattie Boyd's collection until March 21. Online bidding ends March 22.
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