News
2011 Eric Clapton Guitar Auction Will Benefit Crossroads Centre; London Viewing Added
18 Dec 10
[Updated 7 January 2011] On 9 March 2011 in New York City, Bonhams will host a landmark auction that includes more than 150 lots from Eric Clapton’s personal collection. The sale will feature over 70 guitars and 70 amps which have helped create EC’s legendary sound. This auction will give fans a rare opportunity to purchase a piece of Clapton history. Included in the sale are instruments and amps by Fender, Gibson, Marshall, Martin, and Music Man. Highlights include one of Clapton’s main stage guitars from 2005, which formed one of a pair he used during the Cream Reunion Shows in London and New York – a custom built black Fender ‘Eric Clapton Signature’ Stratocaster; and a pair of circa 1970 Marshall vintage basket weave speaker cabinets, used during the 1970s while with Derek & The Dominos. This is the first time that such a large and interesting collection of amps has ever been offered on the auction market and some are associated with EC’s career from the 1970s to the present day. With estimates on amps and guitars spanning from $300-$30,000, there’s something for fans and collectors within every budget range. The auction also includes guitars generously donated by famous musicians such as Jeff Beck, J.J. Cale, and Joe Bonamassa.
In addition to the previously announced viewings in the United States in Los Angeles and New York, a London viewing will also take place. The dates and locations of the three viewings are:
London: 101 New Bond Street, London, W1S 1SR: Montpelier Street, Knightsbridge, London SW7 1HH: Sunday 23rd January – Wednesday 26th January 2011 (new location for viewing – updated 7 January 2011)
Los Angeles: 7601 West Sunset Boulevard, CA 90046, USA: Friday 18th February – Sunday 20th February 2011
New York: 580 Madison Avenue, NY 10022: Saturday 5th March – Wednesday 9th March 2011
The auction will benefit The Crossroads Centre, Antigua. A spokesman for the Centre says, "The Crossroads Centre is very excited to be the beneficiary of Eric Clapton’s guitar and amp auction at Bonhams which will directly assist those who are in need of addiction treatment. As we know, recovery from addiction is possible and with quality treatment and support, is often lifesaving." Eric Clapton has commented on the sale: "I am very happy that Bonhams have agreed to host my third guitar auction in aid of The Crossroads Centre, Antigua, the drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre I founded in 1998."
Stephanie Connell, Head of Entertainment Memorabilia at Bonhams says, "We are delighted to be offering such a fantastic collection of guitars and amps from such an iconic musician and hope the auction will raise a lot of money for this worthwhile cause."
The auction is being held in association with Wallace & Hodgson, who worked on the two previous record breaking Clapton / Crossroads Guitar auctions in 1999 and 2004.
For more information, visit www.bonhams.com/entertainment
For more information about Eric Clapton’s previous guitar auctions, visit the "Guitars & Amps" Section of the EC FAQ on this website.
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