Donna Summer’s personal items will fetch more than $400,000 at auction
A collection of Donna Summer’s personal items has been auctioned, raising more than $400,000.
The 147 lots – available for bidding through Christie’s until June 29 – include a selection of the late singer’s stage outfits, prizes and handwritten concept text.
The items had been collected in the star’s Nashville home, where they had been largely untouched since her death 11 years ago.
On the more personal side, there are several abstract paintings by the Hot Stuff hitmaker, a hobby the auction house said she “nurtured” as a break from singing.
A collection of Donna Summer’s personal items has been auctioned, raising more than $400,000. The items were collected at the star’s home in Nashville
On the more personal side, there are several abstract paintings by the Hot Stuff hitmaker, a hobby the auction house said she “nurtured” as a break from singing.
The highest grossing lot, with an estimated upper limit of $20,000, is a diamond necklace, while manuscript texts for “On the radio” are tipped to earn up to $5,000.
An autographed photo of Summer, taken in May 1977 during a trip to Italy, will fetch $1,200
A number of candid Polaroids shot at home and while traveling also capture the artist’s wary and striking goofy poses.
One photo strip shows her modeling a blonde wig that was used for the cover of her 1991 LP, Mistaken Identity.
Two other snaps from circa 1985 show the artist posing in elegant floor-length dresses, while another from 1989 shows her having fun with multi-exposure Polaroids while wearing a sun visor.
The lot item that will fetch the most, with a top estimate of $20,000, is a diamond and platinum necklace.
The glittery accessory also comes with two personal photos of Summer wearing the necklace in an unknown version, circa 2003.
Another top lot is a signed and dated painting by Summer titled Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Auctioneers estimate that the acrylic-on-canvas artwork could fetch up to $10,000.
One of the more unique items up for grabs is a silver cup that Summer often carried backstage filled with decaffeinated Pepsi.
A series of three-color Polaroid photos of Summer modeling the wig that would adorn the cover of her 1991 LP release, Mistaken Identity, will fetch up to $500
A black shimmering polyester maid dress will fetch up to $1,500, while a red and white beaded evening dress, circa 1985, has a top estimate of $6,000
An RIAA gold record award given to Donna Summer in 1978 for “Last Dance” has a top estimate of $5,000, while her favorite silver goblet will go up to $600.
The bubbles were also removed from the soda so she wouldn’t burp while singing.
Amanda Sudano Ramirez, Summer’s daughter, said the “Chalice, as we called it, is so ingrained in our thoughts and memories.”
The drinking vessel will cost up to $600.
Commenting on the sale, Jonathan Rendell, Deputy Chairman of Christie’s Americas, said: ‘It is a pleasure to present Donna Summer’s collection at Christie’s in June.
“Filled with objects that speak of a moment in time when Disco was in its most up-and-coming moment, the sale offers enthusiasts of all generations a rare opportunity to own a piece of music history.”
Meanwhile, Peter Klarnet’s senior specialist Christie said: ‘Donna Summer was the epitome of the disco era, but she also transcended genre, producing timeless music that resonates to this day.
Christie’s is thrilled to bring her legacy to auction, from platinum records to handwritten lyrics and iconic stage costumes. We are convinced that our customers will be happy to bid on this once-in-a-lifetime collection.’
Summer’s second husband, Bruce Sudano, thanked Christie’s for holding the sale and viewed it as a “unique opportunity” for fans to “share her creative vision of music, art and fashion”.
“Donna has the most loyal and knowledgeable fans, and she really appreciated them,” he added.
Auction experts expect sales to make a top total of $440,300.
A portion of the proceeds from the summer sale of The Collection of Donna will go to charity, with chosen organizations being St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Save The Music Foundation, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Summer died on May 17, 2012 at the age of 63 after a battle with lung cancer.
Known as the Queen of Disco, the Boston-born star passed away in Florida where she lived with husband Bruce.
She was survived by Bruce, her three daughters and four grandchildren.