George Michael’s estate confirmed the money raised would go to good causes, but didn’t elaborate further.
George Michael’s art collection is to be auctioned off to raise money for good causes. In a statement, George Michael’s estate said: “Philanthropic work was hugely important for George during his lifetime and it was his wish that this work would continue after his passing.”
His art collection contained works from many members of the Young British Artists (YBA) generation, including a dove preserved in formaldehyde by Damien Hirst. Some estimates think this painting could make between £400 to £1.5 million.
Another picture, Songbird, which used to hang in the singer’s bedroom and is an oil-on-linen painting, by Bridget Riley, completed in 1982 could make between £400,000 to £600,000.
One of the key paintings in the collection is a colour and mood-changing portrait of the singer that was painted by Michael Craig-Martin. It’s estimated that the painting could make between £40,000 to £60,000.
The paintings will be auctioned off at Christie’s. The auction house’s president, Jussi Pylkkänen, said: “George Michael was a much-admired creative genius of the music industry and the viewing of over 200 works of art from the private collection will provide a fascinating insight into the broader tastes of a man who was deeply admired all over the world.”
Last year, the AIDS charity Project Angel Food in Los Angeles came forward to reveal how much George Michael had donated to them during his lifetime.
The charity’s director, Richard Ayoub said that over his life, the singer had donated more than $500,000 to the organisation.
“He sent a $25k donation to us religiously every year to the tune of more than half a million dollars,” Ayoub said. “His passion and love and support was felt here every single year.”
The main sale of George Michael’s art pieces will take place on 14 March. There will be an online sale of some of the lower-valued pieces from 8-15 March.
Latest
