This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/10/2020
Click Here to read more about The Tom Fontaine Elton John Collection presented in this auction.
Please Note: A portion of the proceeds from sale of the Elton John lots, 229–281, will be donated to The Elton John Aids Foundation.
Offered is an oversized photo taken by noted photographer Arthur Steel of Elton John and Bernie Taupin together at the piano in Elton's Old Windsor home in 1985. The photo has been personalized and signed from Elton to Bernie: "To Bernie with Love, Elton John." This is a rare signed piece gifted from one member to the other member of one of the greatest songwriting teams in history. (Don't hold your breath waiting for the photos signed from Paul to John or Keith to Mick!) The photo was actually acquired at one of Bernie Taupin's "yard sales" he ran to clear out the "detritus" in his English home. Arthur Steel took the portrait in 1985 and provided Elton with this gorgeous, large photographic print. The stamping on the reverse reads "SUN COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH." Arthur worked at The Sun newspaper for decades, eventually rising to Deputy Picture Editor, and took some of the most iconic pictures of people as diverse as Mick Jagger, Margaret Thatcher, Louis Armstrong, John Wayne and "The Kiss" on the wedding day of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. Prints of this photograph are still available from The Arthur Steel archive--the prices range from $1,000 to $3,000...and they are NOT signed by Elton to Bernie! The photograph is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Beckett Authentic. The photograph measures 11 1/4 x 15 1/2 inches and presents with some slight discoloration near the bottom and some wrinkling. The discoloration appear to be a artifact of the developing process. Excellent to Mint condition.