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Julien's Honors Christine McVie in Heartfelt Historic Auction Event Benefiting MusiCares®& Other Charities

Our auction celebrating the life and career of Christine McVie, the legendary singer-songwriter and keyboardist of Fleetwood Mac, was a resounding success, with items from her London home fetching high prices, with 100% of proceeds benefiting MusiCares® and other charities.

October 17, 2024

a black and white drawing of two women 's faces in a frame .

Lot #381. Pencil Portrait of Christine McVie. Estimate: $50 - $100, Sold Price: $1,625.

The music world came together to celebrate the extraordinary life and career of Christine McVie, the legendary singer-songwriter and keyboardist of Fleetwood Mac, at Julien's Auctions' "Property From the Life and Career of Christine McVie" auction. Held at the historic Nashville Municipal Auditorium at the iconic Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, the two-day event saw passionate bidding from fans and collectors worldwide, eager to own a piece of music history.

The auction, a 647-lot treasure trove of McVie's personal and professional belongings, offered a unique glimpse into the life of a true icon. From her stage-played Hammond XK-5 organ to her signature striped blazer, her personal "Rumours" 21-times platinum record, her childhood piano certificate, the items on offer spanned eight decades of McVie's incredible journey.

Highlights of the auction included:

Edward Reginald Frampton Saint Cecilia Painting: Estimated at $120,000 - $150,000, this stunning artwork sold for an impressive $190,000.

Christine McVie

Edward Reginald Frampton Saint Cecilia Painting

Sold Price

$190,500

Estimate:

$120,000 - $150,000

Edward Reginald Frampton (British, 1872-1923) watercolor and tempera on board drawing, "St. Cecilia," before 1918.

According to the British art critic and writer Aymer Vallance, Frampton began his career as a designer of painted glass windows (other biographies state that he likely learned from his father, the stained glass artist Edward Frampton, 1845-1928). Vallance goes on to say that Frampton's artistic influences were the primitive Italian painters, the English Pre-Raphaelites, the French Symbolists and Pierre Puvis de Chavannes. In the article, he describes Frampton's process, "...In picture panels he occasionally uses a tempera background, though he does not actually employ an egg medium. Neither again does he use tube pigments with oil, but powder colours with beeswax, with a spirit vehicle, preferably of petroleum, with copal or shellac. His method is to paint the whole composition in monochrome to begin with, the ultimate colours being applied but lightly, and more in the nature of glazes than anything else. Moreover, he prefers to employ his pigments unblended and not in any continuous expanse, but rather in a series of minute strokes, say of blue, for example, with pure rose-pink touches inserted between the blue when a mauve effect is desired——a process barely distinguishable from that of the ultra-modern Pointillistes. Thus strangely do extremes meet, and the old order, changing, gives place to the new."

Insights from Guest Contributor – Music Journalist/Author, Alan Light:

This watercolor and tempera on board drawing, dated pre-1918, would be a significant piece on its own. Edward Reginald Frampton (British, 1872-1923) painted in a flat, stately style and was influenced by French symbolism as well as the primitive Italian painters and the English Pre-Raphaelites. But the obvious reason for Christine McVie’s interest in this specific painting is the subject: Saint Cecilia, a 3rd century martyr in

Rome, is the Patron Saint of Music and Musicians in the Roman Catholic Church and is frequently depicted playing the organ, McVie’s signature instrument. Frampton painted her several times—prior to this version (which was exhibited at London’s Royal Academy in 1917, the Paris Salon, 1923, and the Fine Art Society, London 1925), he portrayed Saint Cecilia in 1899 and again in a frequently reproduced version circa 1904.

PROVENANCE Julian Hartnoll Fine Art, London

LITERATURE Vallance, Aymer. “The Paintings of Reginald Frampton, R.O.I.” International Studio, Volume 66 (1919): pp. 66-77, illustrated p. 71.

EXHIBITED Royal Academy, London; Paris Salon, 1923; Fine Art Society, London 1925

Fleetwood Mac Stage-Played Hammond XK-5 Heritage Series Organ: A cornerstone of McVie's live performances, this organ, estimated at $6,000 - $8,000, fetched an astounding $52,000.

Christine McVie

Fleetwood Mac Stage-Played Hammond XK-5 Heritage Series Organ with Lower Manual

Sold Price

$52,000

Estimate:

$6,000 - $8,000

A Hammond XK-5 Heritage Series organ, serial #18061314, in walnut finish. Owned and stage-played by Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac. Housed in a black road case (no. 429), stenciled with "Fleetwood Mac" lettering and the band's penguin mascot logo.

The Hammond XK-5 is a digital organ with both modeling and sampling of classic sounds, making it extremely versatile and much, much more portable than the classic B-3. Features four drawbar sets as well as pedal drawbars, 12 virtual tonewheels with the ability to download additional custom profiles, plus Hammond’s own digital Leslie rotating speaker effect. The XK-5 can also be used with a real Leslie cabinet via its 11 pin speaker jack. Also includes 1/4” main outputs, a headphone jack, USB and MIDI connections, and an 8 pin pedal hookup.

The XK-5 has 61 weighted Waterfall keys, 18 upper and lower drawbars plus two pedal, 100 factory and 100 user patches, 12 preset keys, and built-in effects such as Tremolo, Auto Pan, Wah, Ring Mod, Phaser, Flanger, Chorus, Delay, and Reverb. McVie’s XK-5 includes the lower manual which is an additional bank 61 waterfall keys for the full B-3 experience.

This particular XK-5 also has a pair of sliding wooden supports for an additional keyboard to be placed on top of the unit, which can be seen in use in performance photos, usually with the Yamaha CP4.

Insights from Guest Contributor – Music Journalist/Author, Alan Light:

The classic B-3 was the most popular Hammond organ, but it was also very large and very heavy. The Hammond XK-5 is a digital organ with both modeling and sampling of vintage sounds, making it extremely versatile and much more portable than the B-3. This instrument, owned and stage-played by Christine McVie, is housed in a black road case and stenciled with "Fleetwood Mac" lettering and the band's penguin logo. With four drawbar sets as well as pedal drawbars, 12 virtual tonewheels with the ability to download additional custom profiles, and Hammond’s digital Leslie rotating speaker effect, the organ served as the centerpiece of McVie’s stage set-up. In addition to 61 weighted Waterfall keys, McVie’s XK-5 includes the lower manual with a row of 61 more keys for the full B-3 experience. This instrument also has a pair of sliding wooden supports for an additional keyboard to be placed on top of the unit, as seen in performance photos.

Patek Philippe Stainless Steel and Diamond Aquanaut Wristwatch: Reflecting McVie's impeccable taste, this timepiece exceeded its estimate of $10,000 - $20,000, selling for $50,000.

Christine McVie

Patek Philippe Stainless Steel and Diamond Aquanaut Wristwatch

Sold Price

$50,800

Estimate:

$10,000 - $20,000

A Patek Philippe stainless steel and diamond “Aquanaut” wristwatch, ref. 5067, of quartz movement, the cushion-shaped embossed black dial, with gray Arabic numerals, luminous markers and hands, white sweep seconds, window for date, with a circular-cut diamond bezel, screw-down crown, to the textured black rubber strap with deployant clasp, dial, movement, case, and clasp signed Patek Philippe. Case measuring 34 mm, length 6 ⅞ inches, in a Patek Philippe presentation case.

Condition: Like new. 46 circular-cut diamonds, gauged to weigh approximately 0.95 carats total, F-G color, VS clarity.

Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Award 1998: A testament to McVie's enduring legacy, this award, estimated at $10,000 - $15,000, realized $38,000.

Christine McVie

Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Award 1998

Sold Price

$38,100

Estimate:

$10,000 - $15,000

A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame award in the form of a metal figure holding aloft a gold tone disc in the form of a record, on a marble base with engraved plaque reading "Christine McVie / Fleetwood Mac / The / Rock and Roll / Hall of Fame / 1998."

Insights from Guest Contributor – Music Journalist/Author, Alan Light:

In 1998, Fleetwood Mac was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Sheryl Crow. The event took place at New York City’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel, and other members of their induction class included their longtime peers and chart rivals the Eagles and their most notable predecessors as a mixed-gender band, the Mamas and the Papas. This irreplaceable and distinctive trophy—a metal figure holding up a gold-tone disc—presented to Christine McVie at that ceremony, represents rock’s most elite honor; the plaque on its marble base is engraved “Christine McVie / Fleetwood Mac / The / Rock and Roll / Hall of Fame / 1998."

RIAA Multi "Platinum" Record Sales Award for the Album "Rumours": an award commemorating more than 21,000,000 album copies sold, which carried an estimate of $5,000-$7,000 and sold for $22,750.

Christine McVie

RIAA Multi "Platinum" Record Sales Award for the Album "Rumours"

Sold Price

$22,750

Estimate:

$5,000 - $7,000

An RIAA certified multi "platinum" record sales award "Presented to / Christine McVie / to commemorate / 21 x platinum certification / of more than 21,000,000 copies of the / Warner Records / Album / Rumours."

Notes from Music Journalist/Author, Alan Light:

In July 2023, Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 album “Rumours” was certified 21-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. This recognition established “Rumours” as the sixth highest-selling album in US history, and one of only twelve albums with verified sales over 20 million—meaning that this plaque, awarded posthumously to Christine McVie, is one of very few in existence representing this achievement. With more than 40 million copies sold worldwide, “Rumours” shows no sign of slowing down; in 2023, it was the most-streamed album of the 20th Century on Spotify, and the top-selling catalog album on the year’s vinyl charts.

More Than Music, A Greater Cause

The auction was not just about the music; it was also a celebration of McVie's life beyond the stage. Jewelry, artwork, and personal items offered a fascinating insight into her world, captivating bidders and fans alike.

Beyond the thrill of the bidding and the acquisition of these extraordinary items, there was a deeper purpose at play. In line with McVie's own philanthropic spirit, 100% of the proceeds from the auction will benefit MusiCares® and other charities. This ensures that her legacy of generosity and support for the music community will continue to resonate for years to come.

Julien's Auctions extends its sincere gratitude to the McVie Estate for entrusting us with this extraordinary collection, and making this auction a reality. A heartfelt thanks to MusiCares® for their continued partnership, The Musicians Hall of Fame for providing a magnificent backdrop for the event, and to every bidder who participated in this momentous occasion. Your contributions will help MusiCares® continue its invaluable work in providing critical assistance to music professionals in need.

The "Property From the Life and Career of Christine McVie" auction was a resounding success, a fitting tribute to an extraordinary woman whose music continues to inspire and uplift. It was an unforgettable celebration of a life well-lived, a life dedicated to the creation of timeless music that will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

a woman wearing a leather jacket and a necklace with the photo credit paul undersigner

Live Auction

PROPERTY FROM THE LIFE AND CAREER OF CHRISTINE MCVIE

Oct 16, 2024

8:00 AM PDT