Treasures From Annabel’s Up For Auction

For the first time in history, the public are being given a glimpse inside exclusive nightclub Annabel’s as its interiors go up for auction at Christie’s. This is following the opening of the new Annabel’s venue earlier this year at four-storey Grade I-listed mansion 46 Berkley Square, just a couple of doors down from its original location.

CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2018

Over 250 historic items from the old nightclub will be auctioned at Christie’s, from furniture to glassware to vintage posters – including the iconic red velvet corner sofa where Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss and Cara Delevigne have all been photographed. Among the most expensive items up for grabs is Glyn Philpot’s final portraits of his model and assistant Henry Thomas, predicted to sell for up to £120,000. Ten black-and-white pictures of celebrities such as Anna Wintour, Joan Collins and Jack Nicholson, taken by photographer Richard Young, are also up for sale. Ahead of the auction on there will be a pre-sale view in-situ at 44 Berkeley Square from 16-20 November, giving the public unprecedented access to the normally private world of Annabel’s.

Image: Paul Grover

Annabel’s has attracted the rich and famous to its opulent basement for over 50 years. Named after socialite Jemima Khan’s mother Lady Annabel Goldsmith, the nightclub was opened in 1963 by Mark Birley. Since then it has hosted the likes of The Beatles, Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor, as well as modern stars such as Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner. Due to its secretive nature, Annabel’s was also favourite of the royal family – it’s rumoured to be the only nightclub ever visited by The Queen.

Image: Paul Grover

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Richard Caring, the owner of Annabel’s, said: “Since its ground-breaking opening 55 years ago, Annabel’s has earned a global reputation founded on luxury, style and unrivalled atmosphere making it one of the most elegant and glamorous clubs in the world.

“Home to an Aladdin’s cave of treasures, it is my great privilege to offer Annabel’s members and friends the chance to own a piece of its history as a permanent keepsake.”

Lot estimates range between £50 – £120,000 with the proceeds of two specific lots going to Annabel’s owner, Richard Caring’s, charity The Children’s Charity For The Good Of All Children.

44 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1J 5AR. Catalogues are £25 each, which admits two people. They can be purchased online at  christies.com or on the door. 

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