Pattie Boyd to Auction Historic Love Letters from Rock Legends

LONDON — In an event that blurs the lines between personal sentiment and cultural memorabilia, Pattie Boyd, the former wife of both The Beatles' George Harrison and guitar icon Eric Clapton, is parting with a collection of intimate items that include love letters penned by the famous musicians. The sale, hosted by prestigious auction house Christie's, promises to offer fans and collectors a rare glimpse into the personal histories that fueled some of rock's most beloved songs.

Romantic Correspondences on the Auction Block

Among the key highlights of the auction are a series of love letters from Clapton, expressing his desire for Boyd during her marriage to Harrison. This forbidden love famously inspired Clapton to write the hit song "Layla." In addition, the original album cover artwork for 'Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs', depicting a blonde model reminiscent of Boyd, is also up for bidding, with an anticipated value reaching tens of thousands of pounds.

Lyrical Love Notes from Harrison

Fans of The Beatles will be eager for a chance to own handwritten lyrics by Harrison, including the song 'Mystical One', with their sale price predicted to spark competitive bidding. Moreover, Harrison's love notes to Boyd add another layer of poignancy to the lots on offer.

A Muse's Life in Memorabilia

The auction reflects Boyd's impact as a muse in the rock music scene of the 1960s and 70s. From her marriages to such prominent figures to her own artistic endeavors as a photographer, Boyd's offerings represent a rich tapestry of cultural history. The collection exceeds 100 lots and coinsides with numerous photographs taken by Boyd, capturing moments such as The Beatles' historic visit to India.

Boyd, now 79, expressed her peace with releasing these treasured items, suggesting it is time to allow others to appreciate these elements of her life. The online auction is set from March 8 to 22, with a public exhibition at Christie's London from March 15 through 21.

auction, memorabilia, muse