Pattie Boyd, who was once married to George Harrison and Eric Clapton, recently made headlines by selling her collection of treasures. One of the standout items was the original painting used for the cover of the 1970 album ‘Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs’. This special painting, called ‘La Jeune Fille au Bouquet’, was made by Emile Theeodore Frandsen in the 1950s.
The Emotional Value of the ‘Layla’ Album Cover Painting
This painting is very sentimental because Eric Clapton bought it directly from the artist’s son in 1970. He later gave it to George Harrison in the late 1970s, who then passed it on to Pattie Boyd in the late 1980s. The painting was recently sold at an auction for a whopping $2.5 million.
This sale is not just about money; it also includes other items related to Boyd’s marriages to Harrison and Clapton. The total amount raised from the auction reached an incredible $3.6 million. The collection featured letters, photos, and other memorabilia that give insight into Boyd’s relationships with these legendary musicians.
Boyd’s story with these rock stars began when she met Harrison on the set of the Beatles film ‘A Hard Day’s Night in 1964. They fell in love and got married two years later but eventually divorced in 1977.
One of the most interesting parts of Boyd’s story is her connection to both Harrison and Clapton. Despite being friends with Harrison, Clapton fell in love with Boyd and even wrote her a heartfelt letter in 1970, saying, “If there is still a feeling in your heart for me, you must let me know!”
The Interwoven World of Boyd, Harrison, and Clapton
Boyd and Clapton later married in 1977 but divorced in 1989. The sale of these personal items gives us a peek into the complex world of these iconic figures in rock history.
Apart from the famous painting and touching letters, the auction also included a handwritten setlist from one of Clapton’s concerts, photos from a Cream reunion in 1976, and the lyrics to an unfinished Clapton song titled “Sweet Loraine.”
The sale of these items shows the enduring fascination with rock history and the emotional connections fans have with the music and its creators. The high price paid for the ‘Layla’ painting shows its importance as a piece of rock memorabilia.
Boyd’s decision to sell her collection allows these cherished items to find new homes while preserving their connection to the legacies of George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and the music that touched so many hearts.