Known as the ‘Mona Lisa of Pop’ it is one of the most recognisable images of all time, David Bowie’s cover image for his iconic album Aladdin Sane, shot by Duffy. Now the original artwork leads the sale The Mona Lisa of Pop: The Duffy Archive running from 22 October – 5 November on bonhams.com and at Bonhams New Bond Street, London.
It has an estimate of £250,000-300,000. All coming to auction for the first time, the sale will also feature the Hasselblad camera Duffy used to shoot Bowie for Aladdin Sane (1973) and Scary Monsters (1980), the only two surviving contact sheets for Aladdin Sane, and the stool Bowie sat on for the Aladdin Sane shoot. All items come directly from the Duffy Archive, established and managed by Duffy’s son, Chris Duffy.
Claire Tole-Moir, Head of Bonhams’ Popular Culture Department, commented: “Duffy’s iconic photography, paired with Bowie’s incomparable artistic vision, captured the spirit of a generation and cemented their place in cultural history. As collaborators, they produced a body of work that defined the visual language of the 1970s and beyond, influencing music, fashion, and photography. From the iconic album cover artworks to the actual cameras used, each piece has a story to tell. These items have been widely exhibited around the world, and with the David Bowie Centre opening at V&A East this September, this timely auction will be a rare and thrilling opportunity for collectors and fans to own a piece of Duffy / Bowie history.”
Duffy’s son, Chris Duffy, Founder and Managing Director of the Duffy Archive, commented: “Duffy and I began establishing the archive in 2006 to ensure that my father’s legacy and his iconic images were preserved and viewed. The works in the sale at Bonhams have been exhibited worldwide in museums and galleries. At this key moment of recognition for the iconic Duffy/Bowie collaboration, I feel it’s right that a small but significant part of the Duffy Archive collection is available for many to share in this legacy.” I thank Bonhams for hosting the exhibition of his work for sale and for their sensitive approach to his unique contribution to pop culture.
The Mona Lisa of Pop: The Duffy Archive will be on view in a free exhibition at Bonhams New Bond Street running from 22 October – 5 November.
