THE COLLECTION OF DONNA SUMMER TOTALS $907,956
NEW YORK – Christie’s sale of The Collection of Donna Summer concluded online, achieving an exceptional total of $907,956. The sale was 99% sold by lot, and 241% sold by its low estimate. The auction attracted global participation from 21 countries, with items going to buyers across Europe, the Americas, and Asia – 37% of them new to Christie's.
Peter Klarnet, Christie’s Senior Specialist, says: “We are extremely pleased by these fantastic results. They are a testament to the continuing relevance of Donna Summer's music in popular culture and the deep and enduring passion of her multi-generational fan base.”
The top lot of the sale was Billboard Disco Forum VI Award Presented to Donna Summer, 1979, which realized $47,880, more than 120 times its low estimate. A second Billboard Disco Forum V Award Presented to Donna Summer, 1979, realized $25,200. Donna Summer’s paintings were among the top lots of the sale. Chairman of the Board, Woman at Sunset, and Scarlet Starlette realized $27,720 each. Another Donna Summer painting, Tokyo Love Song, realized $ 23,940.
Photographs offered in the sale performed exceptionally well, notably, Two Polaroids of Donna Summer, sold for $13,860, almost 28 times against its low estimate. The sale was also highlighted by Donna Summer’s autographed handwritten lyrics. Manuscript lyrics for ‘On the Radio,’ realized $12,600 against its low estimate of $3,000, and 'Queen for a day,' realized $15,120, 30 times its low estimate of $500. Additionally, a manuscript notebook with sketches, lyrics and a list of her songs sold for $25,200 against its low estimate of $800.
A portion of the proceeds is designated to support the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®, Save The Music Foundation and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
