Pattie Boyd sells collection, including George Harrison, Eric Clapton love letters, for over $3 million
Boyd, the subject of Clapton's "Layla," was separately married to both men
Both George Harrison and Eric Clapton capitalized on musings about their shared ex-wife, Pattie Boyd, for songs like The Beatles’ “Something” and Derek & The Dominos’ “Layla” and “Wonderful Tonight,” respectively. Now, it’s Boyd’s turn.
The former model and photographer—who was married to Harrison from 1966 through 1977, and later married his friend and collaborator, Clapton, from 1979 through their divorce in 1989—just sold her personal collection of artifacts from both men for £2,818,184 (approximately $3,561,283) at an auction (via The Guardian).
(Side note: in the process of researching for this article, this author learned that Clapton once engaged Harrison in a “guitar duel” for Boyd’s heart (the general consensus was that Clapton won) and that Harrison later fondly referred to Clapton as his “husband-in-law.” Awesome stuff.)
Boyd’s collection included intimate letters from both musicians written during their love triangle. “I am writing this letter to you, with the main purpose of ascertaining your feelings towards a subject well known to both of us,” began one from Clapton (via Variety). “What I wish to ask you is if you still love your husband? All these questions are very impertinent, I know, but if there is still a feeling in your heart for me… you must let me know!… Don’t telephone! Send a letter… That is much safer.” If Taylor Jenkins Reid ever wanted to write a sequel to Daisy Jones And The Six, this is great material.
The collection also included the original handwritten lyrics for Harrison’s “Mystical One” (which sold for £47,800), a photograph of The Beatles in India in 1968 (£52,920), and the original artwork chosen for the cover of Derek & The Dominos 1970 album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (which sold for £1,976,000, three times the estimated price), along with other personal items which were all temporarily on display at Christie’s London headquarters.
“I am completely blown away by the enthusiasm of international bidders for these special treasures that I have always loved,” Boyd said of the sale. “I am so happy that new hearts will now enjoy them, as they enter into their next ‘chapters’… I am lucky that my life today continues to bring me joy and different adventures—I would encourage people to follow their passions and live their lives with gusto.”
In other words, move on from your exes and live your life to the fullest, no matter how famous they may be. Or better yet, sell their old shit for millions and furnish that lifestyle even more. Good on you, Pattie!