On May 16 and 17, 2017, Bonhams Los Angeles will hold the Jackie Collins: A Life in Chapters auction, offering a 1,000-lot sale estimated at $3 million. The auction is made up of watches, jewelry and art that were kept in Collins’s Beverly Hills home.
“A Life in Chapters celebrates the phenomenal career and times of this stylish and glamorous woman,” said Bonhams Vice-President Leslie Wright. “Jackie Collins lived the lifestyle about which she wrote, and the sale will provide an exclusive insight into the real woman behind her unforgettable characters. Her books were loved by millions of readers worldwide. This is their chance to own a piece of the magic.”
Of most interest to Revolution are the watches Collins owned that are up for auction, including a rare 1949 Patek Philippe Calatrava, ref. 2448, which is all original, with a beautiful two-tone silver dial.
“Money wasn’t an object, so she bought what she liked,” says Jonathan Hochman, watch specialist, Bonhams. “There is a massive range. We have a Swatch, a couple of TechnoMarines, a MW by Michele, an Audemars Piguet, a pave diamond white gold Harry Winston, a Cartier Tank, several Chanel J12s and more. There are 38 timepieces in total.
“Jackie Collins wasn’t a collector, but what she bought ended up being a collection,” he continues. “With the Pateks, because there are quite a few, they all have a certain look to them–most of them are time only. She does have a unique Platinum and Diamond Patek Philippe.”
In addition to the watches, the auction also features:
1) A collection of bronzes including Nude with Shawl by Josef Lorenzl (estimated at US$18,000-25,000)
2) Several works by the English painter, Beryl Cook, including Tango in Bar Sur (US$ 20,000-30,000) and Train Station Café (US$ 20,000-30,000).
3) Jackie’s bespoke special edition 2002 Jaguar XKR Sports car, fittingly finished in metallic gold, estimated at US$ 15,000-20,000
4) A selection of entertainment and career-related memorabilia including first editions of Collins’s works and a selection of her famous designer clothes.
The British-born author published her first novel, The World is Full of Married Men, in 1968, marking the start of a 47-year writing career. An instant success, the book was a bestseller, as were the next 31 novels which together sold more than 500 million copies in 40 countries worldwide.
A portion of all proceeds will be donated to support the empowerment of young women in the arts and education.
