Pattie Boyd Collection: Rare Clapton Love Letters Up For Auction

• Collection includes handwritten lyrics, photographs, and personal correspondence.

• Highlights include original painting for 'Layla And Other Songs' album cover.

• Emotional core: love letters and telegram from Clapton to Boyd.

Pattie Boyd

IMDB

Pattie Boyd, the iconic muse of George Harrison and Eric Clapton, is set to auction off a collection of cultural memorabilia that offers a glimpse into the golden era of British music and fashion. The collection, aptly named the 'Pattie Boyd Collection,' includes handwritten lyrics from Clapton, photographs of the Beatles and Harrison, portraits of Boyd herself, treasured objets d'art, and personal correspondence between Boyd and Clapton.

One of the highlights of the collection is the original painting used for the 1970 Derek and the Dominoes album 'Layla And Other Songs,' valued at $40,000-$60,000. Clapton chose this painting for the album cover because he believed it resembled Boyd.

The emotional core of the collection lies in three pieces of correspondence from Clapton to Boyd during her marriage to Harrison. These letters, including two searing love letters and a poignant telegram, provide a window into the intense emotions and complexities of their relationship.

The telegram, dated 1970, captures Clapton's passionate yet conflicted feelings towards Boyd, as he grapples with the unrequited love he harbors for her. The letters, written with lyrical eloquence, reveal Clapton's deep affection and longing for Boyd, despite the challenges posed by their circumstances.

Christie's London will be hosting the auction of the 'Pattie Boyd Collection' from 8-21 March, offering collectors and institutions a rare opportunity to acquire pieces that shed light on a pivotal period in rock music history. With estimates ranging from 10,000-15,000 GBP for the letters and 1000-1500 GBP for the telegram, these items are expected to garner significant interest from those seeking to own a piece of music history.