Bonhams To Auction The $3 Million, 1,000-Lot Estate Of Internationally Celebrated Author Jackie Collins

International auction house, Bonhams, announces the 1,000-lot sale of the estate of legendary author, Jackie Collins, OBE, estimated at $3millionUSD. Jackie Collins: A Life in Chapters will take place on Tuesday May 16 and Wednesday May 17, at Bonhams Los Angeles.

The estate auction will give her admirers the world over the opportunity to own the jewellery and art that the Queen of the steamy Hollywood tomes kept in her much-loved Beverly Hills home.

An exclusive insight into the star’s passion for collecting fine art, sculpture and jewellery, the auction sale will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans to own jewellery worthy of the writer’s most glamorous characters. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to support the empowerment of young women in the arts and education

As Bonhams Vice-President Leslie Wright said, “A Life in Chapters celebrates the phenomenal career and times of this stylish and glamorous woman. 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 world-wide. This is their chance to own a piece of the magic.”

Beverly Hills Mansion interiors

As Tracy, Rory and Tiffany, the three daughters of Jackie Collins, commented, “Our mother never did anything in small measures! She was passionate about collecting, and spent many decades selecting paintings, statuettes and jewellery which brought her joy and creative inspiration.

In the early 1990s our parents designed and built a breathtaking contemporary home in Beverly Hills, which became the custom designed backdrop to our mother's collections. She had a unique and extraordinary eye for a design and aesthetic that combined elegance and glamour with humour and warmth.

“We are delighted to be working with Bonhams on this very special sale honouring our mother's legacy, most especially because a portion of all proceeds will be donated to support the empowerment of young women in the arts and education.”

Selected auction lots, pictured in Jackie Collins' Beverly Hills home

Jackie was a serious collector of fine art and sculpture with a particular passion for Art Deco sculpture and 20th Century American and British painting. The two-day auction includes:

-       A collection of bronzes including Nude with Shawl by Josef Lorenzl (estimated at US$18,000-25,000)

-       Several works by the much-loved English painter, Beryl Cook, including Tango in Bar Sur (US$ 20,000-30,000) and Train Station Café (US$ 20,000-30,000).

-       Jackie’s bespoke special edition 2002 Jaguar XKR Sportscar, fittingly finished in metallic gold, estimated at US$ 15,000-20,000

-       A selection of entertainment and career-related memorabilia taking in first editions of Jackie’s works and a selection of her famous designer clothes

Like her home, her personality and her characters, Jackie’s jewellery is bold, strong and colourful. Her extensive collection of jewels comprises:

-       A 6.04-carat diamond and platinum ring is estimated at US$100,000-150,000

-       An Art Deco diamond, emerald, stone and platinum necklace at US$40,000-50,000

-       Signed pieces by Cartier and Nardi among others

-       Watches by Patek Philippe, Harry Winston, Chanel and Chopard

The British-born star 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.

The fictional world of Hollywood glamour that fans so loved in her works was alive in Jackie’s private life which she latterly spent in the Hockney-inspired home she designed with her husband, the gallery and nightclub owner, Oscar Lerman. It is the sculpture and fine art that decorated that Beverly Hills home and the jewellery she wore that comprise Bonhams’ upcoming auction, A Life in Chapters.

Day One: Contents of the Beverly Hills home of Jackie Collins
Day Two: The Jackie Collins Collection of Jewellery
Day Three: Online sale of Objet d’arts and Jewellery goes live

Jackie Collins: A Life in Chapters

Bonhams, 7601 W. Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles

Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 May, 10am

Specialist: Leslie Wright, Vice President and Director of Trusts and Estate, Bonhams USA

Harvey Cammell, Deputy Chairman, Bonhams UK

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world's largest and most renowned auctioneers of fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with sales also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of forthcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com.

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