David Bowie’s private art collection gets set for US$12 million sale

The “man who sold the world” is soon to have his private art and design estate put on the block by Sotheby’s in London as the auction house brings together for sale more than 350 pieces that belonged to David Bowie until his sudden passing earlier this year.

The full collection is on display in London ahead of the three-day sale which kicks off on November 10 and is seen raising over £10 million (US$12 million). This follows recent previews in New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong.

Given Bowie was known for his eccentric musical genius and a daring proclivity towards bold make-up, costumes and performances, the muted tone of some of his works may come as a surprise to those expecting to see an uninterrupted rash of bright metallic colours and jarring geometric designs.

While the collection does feature its fair share of larger-than-life and vibrant pieces, there are also less visually dramatic works such as Harold Gilman’s 1917 painting of a cleaning lady turned away from the viewer and occupied with menial tasks.

Beth Greenacre, curator of the David Bowie collection from 2000 to the present day and who worked very closely alongside the musician during that period, says despite the fact some people may see an apparent variation in style and appearance between works, there is much continuity.

“For me it’s not disparate at all, I can draw lines between all of the work here,” she said.