Dallas’ Capera Ryan of Christie’s Dishes On This Month’s Elton John Auction

First, there was Yellowbrick, but this month iconic rocker Sir Elton John is saying farewell to a different road. Via a series of extraordinary sales, Christie’s is auctioning off the contents of the superstar’s former 13,000-plus-square-foot Atlanta residence and Dallas’ own Capera Ryan, a powerhouse in the auction world, offers her take.

The Collection of Sir Elton John: Goodbye Peachtree Road is eclectic and extravagant — think timeless jewels, fabulous fashion, blue-chip art, and lavish home décor. There’s even the Rocket Man’s Yamaha conservatory grand piano, estimated to fetch $50,000.

“The price could go crazy,” according to Capera Ryan, Christies’ Dallas-based deputy chairman of America. “People become obsessed with celebrities. And everybody has a chance of winning, depending on how much they’re willing to spend.”

Over 900 items are on the auction block. “Elton and his partner, David were avid collectors. We’re so excited about it,” she said.

Understandably so. Proceeds could top $10 million.

For starters, there’s the stellar art collection that graced the walls of John’s massive penthouse. The covetable assortment includes images by Andy Warhol, Helmut Newton, Robert Mapplethorpe, Peter Beard, Richard Avedon, Herb Ritts, and Irving Penn.

Other works were made personally for John and his husband, David Furnish. Artist Damien Hirst’s Your Song is signed and inscribed “xxx for Elton + David love Damien Thank You” (estimated value, $350,000-450,000). There’s also Julian Schnabel’s portrait of the singer dressed in a gown and ruffled collar (estimated $200,000-$300,000).

And the priciest piece? A 2017 Banksy painting of a masked man hurling a bouquet of flowers, secured directly from the anonymous artist, is expected to sell for up to $1.5 million.

We were curious about items on Ryan’s radar.

“If I was going to buy anything, it would be the Cartier ‘Crash’ watch. I’ve always loved, loved, loved it.”

As for bestsellers, the 23-year Christie’s veteran makes the following predictions.

“The sunglasses are going to do phenomenal. They’re synonymous with Elton John. And the Versace shirts are amazing.”

We also asked Ryan why the superstar is selling — and more specifically, why with Christie’s?

“Elton moved to Atlanta after becoming sober; it’s where he started the Elton John Aids Foundation.” After retiring from music, and selling his Peachtree home, it was time for the singer and his family to begin a new chapter.

“Christie’s started working on this partnership before COVID,” she revealed. “Our business is built on relationships. We’re a go-to for sales of this caliber.”

Back in 2019, Ryan collaborated on another beloved singer’s high-profile auction. The George Michael Collection, owned by Dallas’ Goss-Michael Foundation, featured the works of Young British Artists.

“It was my baby. We raised over $9 million to benefit aids and children’s counseling,” she said.

“What I love most about my job is that I’m surrounded by people who are passionate about what they’re collecting,” Ryan added. “Plus, I get to work around such beauty.”

Bidding for The Collection of Sir Elton John: Goodbye Peachtree Road is currently open. The live auction will begin with an evening sale on Wednesday, February 21, and continue with a series of day sales on February 22 and February 23. For more information and to register, visit Christies.com.