The Mark Knopfler Guitar Collection was an outstanding success, totalling £8,840,160 / US$11,227,003 / €10,342,987 at a live Christie's auction in London held January 2024. This fantastic result is a true testament to the phenomenal global appeal of Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits.
The exhibition at Christie’s London, which included an immersive sound experience delivered by Dolby and Neumann, attracted thousands of fans from across the world, generating excitement for almost two weeks before the auction. The collection saw unprecedented interest, with over 2,300 registrants from 61 countries taking part — 84% of whom were new to Christie’s — in an auction that lasted over six hours and was 100% sold.
The star of the show was the 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard, achieving a record-breaking £693,000. Further world auction records were set by the 1988 Pensa-Suhr MK-1, co-designed by Mark Knopfler to play at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert in 1988 at Wembley Stadium, selling for £504,000, and the red Schecter Telecaster used to record the hit Dire Straits song ‘Walk Of Life’, fetching £415,800. Additionally, the iconic 1983 Gibson Les Paul Standard ’59 Historic Reissue, used by Mark Knopfler to record and perform ‘Money For Nothing’ and ‘Brothers In Arms’ and played on stage at Live Aid, achieved £592,200.
Twenty-five percent of the total hammer price will be divided equally and donated to charities Mark Knopfler has supported for many years: the British Red Cross, Tusk and Brave Hearts of the North East. One hundred percent of the funds raised from the final lot, the 2021 Gibson Les Paul ‘Gold Top’ guitar signed by world-famous musicians including Mark Knopfler, which sold for £403,200, will be donated to Teenage Cancer Trust. In addition, Christie’s is contributing a further £50,000 to each of the four charities.
The auction of Mark Knopfler’s esteemed guitar collection has not merely recalibrated the valuation of music memorabilia; it has underscored the unifying power of music in rallying people around philanthropic causes.
This event stands as a monumental testament to Knopfler’s dual legacy as a virtuoso musician and a committed philanthropist.
It sets an exemplary high note for future auctions and charitable initiatives within the music industry, demonstrating the potential of music to transcend entertainment and become a catalyst for positive change.
The success of this auction underscores the enduring appeal of music and its artefacts in fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. It highlights how the legacy of artists like Mark Knopfler can continue to influence and inspire, not just through their music, but through the impactful use of their legacy in supporting causes that resonate with their values.
As we reflect on the harmonious legacy bequeathed by this auction, it becomes evident that the chords of music can indeed bind us in a collective endeavour towards a better world, making this event a noteworthy chapter in the annals of music history.
Pure Effect Music will be releasing a number of rare Mark Knopfler Signature Edition Guitars for sale in the future. Contact support@pureeffectmusic.com for further information.
Comments