Any fan of the 60s and 70s is familiar with the name of style icon, Pattie Boyd. The supermodel shot to stardom in the 60s and landed herself in one of the most famed love triangles of all time. Between her two ex-husbands Eric Clapton and The Beatles' George Harrison. The Pattie Boyd Collection by auction house, Christie's, gives insight into the intimate plot-lines of Boyd's wild life during these decades as a model, muse, photographer and rockstar wife.
Muse of the 60s: The Christie's Pattie Boyd Collection
Words by
Pippa Lowe
28th February 2024
The Christie's Pattie Boyd Collection is going live this March. Sharing exclusive fashion, unreleased lyrics, behind-the-scenes photographs of The Beatles and heartfelt letters from the supermodel's life in the 60s and 70s. Including the original artwork for the album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs by Derek and the Dominoes.
A mirror self-portrait of Pattie Boyd
As talented as she was in front of the camera, Boyd took a liking to being a photographer herself. The collection includes an abundance of photographs, many of which were taken by Boyd. From capturing behind-the-scenes moments with the Beatles in India to her honeymoon with George Harrison and a natural mirror-self portrait with hair tools scattering the floor. Even collections of preserved polaroids, many taken during her time with Clapton, one of which features him in a turtleneck with his prized Fender Stratocaster 'Blackie'.
A polaroid photograph by Boyd of Eric Clapton with his favourite Fender Stratocaster guitar
Watches, charms and 'quintessentially-60's' psychedelic minidresses make up a portion of the collection. Opening up the personal wardrobes of the fashion icon herself to the world. Including gifted trinkets such as the dainty fairy pendant she had received from Eric Clapton, commissioned by jeweller Mick Milligan. The other items revolve greatly around her relationships with her ex-husbands. Hand-written letters and telegrams reveal the intimacies of Boyd's marriages to the public. One, a telegram from Clapton to Boyd in 1970, reading 'does your silence mean begone'.
Enamelled silver and silver-gilt fairy pendant commissioned from Mick Milligan, a gift from Eric Clapton
A telegram from Eric Clapton to Pattie Boyd, 1970
Those who are music-crazed and were once swept up into the fanbase of Beatlemania, will be excited to know that the collection entails a series of drawings, unfinished lyrics and more from both Clapton and Harrison. It is no secret that Boyd was a strong muse for both of these artists, giving inspiration to some of the most famed anthems in history. From Eric Clapton’s Layla to The Beatles' Something (written by George Harrison). A key highlight of the collection will be the original artwork for the 1970 album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs by Derek and the Dominoes (Eric Clapton's rock band).
An original vintage photograph taken by Boyd during the Beatles’ historic stay at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram in Rishikesh, India, in 1968
Hand-written lyrics for the unreleased Eric Clapton song, Sweet Eloraine
This colourful album art has emblazoned itself in music history and is estimated to be auctioned at £40-60k. Lesser known pieces, and even unreleased lyrics such as Eric Clapton's Sweet Eloraine are will also available for purchase. Along with guitar pics and doodles from the artists. Including an original design for an Apple Records LP label by George Harrison.
The original artwork used for the cover of the 1970 Derek and The Dominos album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs
An original design doodle for an Apple Records LP label by George Harrison
The collection is a path into the world of some of the biggest names of the 60s and 70s, with insight into their lives that cannot be seen anywhere else. It will be going live online at Christie's between the 8th and 22nd March, learn more and explore the full collection of items here.
For more 70s icons, check out Lisa Barnard's recent article exploring the life and work of Yoko Ono:
All You Need is Love: Yoko Ono at Tate Modern
