The personal world of the late music and screen icon Marianne Faithfull is being unveiled for collectors and fans alike. A captivating array of her private belongings, from intimate diaries to significant artworks, is heading to auction in London, offering a poignant glimpse into her legendary life.
A Life in Objects: From a Teenage Diary to a Star-Studded Trunk
The collection is a deeply personal archive from the singer's Paris apartment, charting a journey from 1960s stardom to her later years. Among the most revealing items are her personal diaries, including one from 1959 penned in her early teens and another from 1989 titled 'Goals'.
The auction also highlights the strong friendships within her artistic circle. A particular highlight is a trunk that once belonged to and was gifted to Faithfull by the actor Carrie Fisher. The two were described as "very, very close" by fellow musician Rufus Wainwright, who recalled "wild evenings" in their company. The trunk is estimated to fetch between £1,000 and £1,500.
An Art Collection Reflecting an Iconic Career
Faithfull's discerning eye for art is evident in the pieces on offer. The collection includes a powerful print by South African artist Marlene Dumas inscribed with the poignant phrase "Say it in Broken English", a direct nod to one of Faithfull's most iconic songs.
Also featured is Babylon, a work on paper by the multi-talented Anita Pallenberg, a key figure in Faithfull's social scene alongside the Rolling Stones. Completing this artistic trinity is Abductee, a collage by the renowned Australian pop artist Martin Sharp.
Beyond the art, the sale includes fine furniture from the 18th to the early 20th century and select items from her wardrobe, such as a stylish Louis Vuitton by Marc Jacobs black wool coat.
A Lasting Legacy Comes to Market
Marianne Faithfull passed away in January 2024 at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy defined by both triumph and tribulation. She rocketed to fame in swinging-sixties London with hits like As Tears Go By and forged an acting career alongside greats like Orson Welles.
After well-documented struggles with addiction and homelessness, she rebuilt her life and career in the 1980s, collaborating with artists like Nick Cave and Metallica. Her son, Nicholas Dunbar, stated that each piece in the auction "tells a story and reflects her spirit and inimitable taste," hoping they will bring as much joy to their new owners.
The items are on view at Bonhams in Knightsbridge as part of their Sound & Cinema auction, which runs until 3 December. Rebecca Anthony, a pop culture specialist at the auction house, hailed Faithfull as "a cultural icon with an exceptional sense of style and lasting legacy."
