DW101-183 Part One.qxp_Layout 1 01/12/2017 14:28 Page 68
248 Diana (Princess of Wales). Dresses from the Collection of Diana, Princess of Wales, A charity sale conducted by Christies..., New York, 25 June 1997, signed and numbered by Princess Diana in ink to the fly-title, colour illustrations throughout, many full-page, original purple morocco, folio (43 x 30.5cm/17 x 12ins), together with associated ephemera, comprising a private view invitation and rsvp card, a catalogue prospectus card, Admission to View card, two sale admission tickets, a paddle number registration folding card and bidding paddle (number 15), and printed Auction Results sheet and accompanying letter, housed together in a custom-made red cloth solander box, with gilt lettered red morocco label on spine, spine and part of covers faded Limited edition, 3/250 copies, signed and numbered by Princess Diana. The earliest available printing of this iconic catalogue, the first two of the 250 copies printed being retained by the Royal Family, and with the addition of ephemeral items associated with the sale. Signed by Diana just weeks before her death, this sumptuous catalogue was produced to accompany the sensational sale of 79 dresses which were surplus to the Princess’s requirements. The mostly elaborately embellished formal gowns and dresses had been part of her working wardrobe during her marriage, and the idea to sell them for charity came from her eldest son, Prince William. The auction in New York was one of the biggest social events of the year, raising $3.26 million for various AIDS and healthrelated charities. The highlight of the sale was Princess Diana’s off-the shoulder, midnight-blue velvet dress designed by Victor Edelstein, famously worn during a dance with John Travolta at the White House in 1985, which fetched $222,500. (1) £4000-6000
Each lot is subject to a Buyer’s Premium of 19.5% (Lots marked * 23.4% inclusive of VAT @ 20%)
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