Over the weekend, the late David Bowie’s art collection – including his many Memphis Design furniture pieces – was auctioned off at Sotheby’s in London.
Little was known about Bowie’s private collection until after his death, when his estate reached out to Sotheby’s about putting it up for auction. Apparently, the musician had an obsession with Memphis Design, a colorful and bold form of architecture and design founded by Ettore Sottsass in the early 1980s.
The Memphis Design collection, which was made up of over 100 pieces, sold collectively for more than $1.7 million on the second day of the auction. All together, Bowie’s art sold for $41.1 million over the course of the two-day auction, according to Pitchfork.
Below, see 20 of his most interesting and valuable furniture pieces, plus what they ended up selling for.
Designer Ettore Sottsass’ “Carlton” room divider was estimated to sell at auction for $9,258 — it sold for $65,993.
The “Adesso Pèro” Bookcase from Sottsass’ “Ruins” series was estimated to sell at auction for $9,258. It sold for $43,995.
Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni’s radio-phonograph, Model No. Rr126, was estimated to sell for $1,587. It sold for $323,049.
The “Bertrand” sideboard from designer Massimo Iosa-Ghini was estimated to sell for $6,613. It sold for $25,140.
Sottsass’ “Suvretta” bookcase, which was estimated to sell at auction for $6,613, sold for $28,282.
California-based artist Peter Shire’s “Big Sur” sofa was estimated to sell for $6,613. It sold for $97,417.
Sottsass’ “Tartar” center table was estimated to sell for $6,613. It sold for $31,425.
The “Casablanca” sideboard, also designed by Sottsass, was estimated to sell for $6,613. It sold for $86,419.
Sottsass’ “Beverly” sideboard was estimated to sell for $6,613. It sold for $13,356.
Italian architect and designer Andrea Branzi’s “Gritti'” bookshelf was estimated to sell for $3,968. The item sold for $17,284.
Massimo Iosa-Ghini’s “Otello” armchair was estimated to sell for $3,968. It sold for $10,999.
Designer George J. Sowden’s “D’antibes'” cabinet was estimated to sell for $1,984. It sold for $18,855.
Shire’s “Bel Air” armchair was estimated to sell for $1,984. It sold for $50,280.
Michele de Lucchi’s “Burgundy” dining table was estimated to sell for $1,984. It sold for $13,356.
Designer de Lucchi’s “Continental” side table was estimated to sell for $1,058. It sold for $8,642.
Sottsass’ “Palm Spring” dining table was estimated to sell for $1,984 — it sold for $18,855.
Aldo Cibic’s “Belvedere” console was estimated to sell for $2,381. It sold for $5,971.
The “Riveria” carpet by Nathalie du Pasquier was estimated to sell for $1,587. It sold for $34,568.
The “Treetops” floor lamps by Sottsass were estimated to sell for $1,058. They sold for $13,356.
Sottsass’ “Bay” table lamp was estimated to sell for $794. It sold for $10,999.
Sottsass’ and Perry King’s “Valentine” portable typewriter was estimated to sell for $629. It sold for $56,565.
You can see the complete auction results at Sotheby’s.