In a palpable echo of the poetic soul, we gathered at Julien’s Studios on February 28th, 2025 to honor the venerable Leonard Cohen with a remarkable auction that witnessed a truly historic moment featuring the Collections Of Aviva Layton, Anjani Thomas, & More which stood on its own as a pilgrimage and collective immersion into the world of a literary and musical titan.

The numbers speak volumes – over half a million dollars traded hands, a testament to the enduring power of Cohen's legacy. But beyond the financial figures, this auction was a profound exploration of his creative process, his personal life, and the intimate connections that shaped his art. For the first time, the public was granted access to artifacts that had been cherished by those closest to him: Aviva Layton, Anjani Thomas, Cork Smith, and Nancy Bacal.

The centerpiece, the undeniable star, was Cohen's 2007 green Apica notebook. This wasn't just a notebook; it was a portal. For $120,650, a lucky bidder secured a tangible piece of Cohen's creative mind, a repository of handwritten notes, poems, and lyric drafts, including glimpses into the genesis of "Treaty" and "It's Torn." The fact that this is the only known Cohen notebook outside his private archive elevates it to an artifact of unparalleled significance, a treasure likely never to be replicated.

Other Notable Lots:

Beyond the notebook, the auction revealed the multifaceted nature of Cohen's life. The key to his Hydra home, fetching a remarkable $19,500 (over six times its estimate), became a symbolic portal to the bohemian haven that nurtured his early work. His iconic "magic writing" black Greek fisherman's cap, sold for $7,800, offered a glimpse into his personal style, a tangible connection to the man behind the legend.

The auction also illuminated Cohen's deep spiritual connection to his Jewish heritage. Two images of him laying Tefillin at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, a poignant reminder of his faith, soared to $9,100, eleven times their estimate. Similarly, two mezuzahs gifted to Anjani Thomas, one adorned with a menorah, fetched $7,800, a testament to the personal and spiritual value placed on these items. Even the "evil eye protectors," symbols of protection and good fortune, commanded $4,550, a staggering 45.5 times their estimate.

Literary enthusiasts were treated to a treasure trove of manuscripts and first editions. A first edition of "Let Us Compare Mythologies," inscribed to Irving Layton, sold for $10,400, while annotated manuscripts of poems from "The Spice-Box of Earth" and handwritten pages from "Leonard Cohen Selected Poems 1956-1968" fetched impressive sums, underscoring the enduring power of his written word. The typed letter to Corlies W. Smith from Hydra, filled with Cohen's whimsical drawings, sold for $13,000, illustrating the breadth of his artistic expression.

The auction wasn't just about documents and artifacts; it was about the personal connections that enriched Cohen's life. Jewelry gifted to Anjani Thomas, including a locket with a lock of his hair ($5,080), an Etruscan style bangle bracelet ($9,100), and a gold unified heart symbol lapel pin ($7,620) revealed the intimacy of their relationship.

Laura Woolley, Managing Director, Head of Consignments & Appraisals at Julien's Auctions, aptly summarized the event as "a celebration of his extraordinary life and achievements." Indeed, it was.

Thank you, from Julien's

To our cherished bidders, both in person and online, your passion and enthusiasm transformed this auction into a truly memorable event. Your commitment to preserving Cohen's legacy is deeply appreciated and our excitement in knowing these treasured artifacts are placed with adoring custodians lends credence to the reason we exist.

And to our esteemed consignors, Aviva Layton, Anjani Thomas, Cork Smith, and Nancy Bacal, thank you for entrusting us with these invaluable pieces of history. Your generosity in sharing these personal possessions has allowed us to offer a unique and intimate glimpse into the life of Leonard Cohen.

Julien's Auctions is honored to have played a role in celebrating the life and work of this extraordinary artist. We are committed to continuing to bring you "the moments that matter," connecting you with the icons and artifacts that shape our cultural landscape. We are, as always, where originals find their kind.