Charlie Watts' Collection of Books and Jazz Memorabilia to be Auctioned at Christie's

  Charlie Watts' Collection of Books and Jazz Memorabilia to be Auctioned at Christie's

Charlie Watts' Collection of Books and Jazz Memorabilia to be Auctioned at Christie's(Image-Getty)

Christie's auction house has announced an upcoming two-part sale in September featuring books and jazz memorabilia once owned by the late Rolling Stones drummer, Charlie Watts. The event, titled "Charlie Watts: Gentleman, Collector, Rolling Stone – Literature and Jazz," will showcase over 500 lots, with estimated prices ranging from £800 to £300,000 ($1,023 - $383,730).

One notable highlight of the auction is a copy of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" that bears a dedication to screenwriter Harold Goldman, referring to him as "the original Gatsby." This unique item is expected to fetch around £200,000.

The auction will also present rare editions of books by renowned authors such as George Orwell, James Joyce, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Agatha Christie. Christie's describes this collection of literary lots as an "unparalleled library of modern first edition books," representing the most valuable assortment of its kind to be auctioned in over twenty years.

Charlie Watts, who joined the Rolling Stones in 1963, sadly passed away in 2021 at the age of 80. Alongside the books, the auction will include various jazz memorabilia from his personal collection. Notable items up for bidding include saxophonist Charlie Parker's Associated Musicians Membership Card and an annotated printed score for George Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess."

In a joint statement, Watts' bandmates Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood expressed their admiration for him, stating that Charlie was the driving force behind the Rolling Stones for nearly six decades. They described him as a truly unique individual who had a lifelong passion for jazz and literature. His absence is profoundly felt, and he is sorely missed by all.

The flagship auction will take place in London on September 28, while an online sale will run from September 15 to 29. This extraordinary event offers collectors and enthusiasts a remarkable opportunity to acquire pieces from Charlie Watts' exceptional collection of books and jazz memorabilia.