An auction held by A.H. Wilkens in Toronto today featured items from the estate of renowned Canadian musician Gordon Lightfoot.
The auction included various memorabilia from Lightfoot’s career such as stage outfits, awards, platinum and gold records, musical instruments – including guitars belonging to Lightfoot’s lead guitarist Terry Clements – and seldom-seen photographs of Lightfoot with his peers, along with other personal belongings.
Andrea Zeifman, A.H. Wilkens’ chief of operations and senior appraiser, expressed enthusiasm over the overwhelming interest in the auction. She mentioned a surge in new bidders from both Canada and abroad.
The most valuable item sold was Lightfoot’s performance guitar, commanding a winning bid of $380,000. This iconic guitar, used extensively by Lightfoot, had a unique modification on the back to prevent interference from his belt buckle, along with a smiley face decal from his daughter.
Another notable item was Lightfoot’s vintage tiger rug, previously situated in his bedroom, which sold for $3,600.
The auction of items from Gordon Lightfoot’s estate, including clothing, guitars, and memorabilia, attracted a large online audience.
The proceeds from the auction will be returned to the estate, with a portion slated for investment in the Orillia Museum of Art & History, which features a permanent exhibit dedicated to the musician.
Any unsold items will be managed by Lightfoot’s estate, with discussions underway to possibly distribute them to other museums and charitable organizations, according to the auction house.
Glenn Morgan, an attendee at the auction, expressed his lifelong admiration for Gordon Lightfoot. He shared his desire to acquire pieces of Lightfoot’s history due to the musician’s significant impact on him.
Colin Cripps, a member of the band Blue R