A lock of David Bowie’s hair has soared above its estimate at an auction of music memorabilia in Beverly Hills.
Having made news around the world, the lock of hair hit the auction block at Heritage on June 25, where strong bidding pushed it past its estimate of $4,000 to a final price of $18,750.
The blonde hair had been snipped from Bowie’s head in 1983, at the peak of his international fame, as he conquered the world with his multi-platinum ‘Let’s Dance’ album.
The singer was given the accolade of a likeness at Madame Tussauds waxwork museum in London, where wig maker (and huge Bowie fan) Wendy Farrier was given the task of taking a hair sample as a reference.
According to Farrier, "I remember Mr Bowie being very relaxed about the whole episode as I approached with scissors quivering!"
Once the lock of hair has served its purpose, Farrier was allowed to keep it as a memento, and it remained in her personal collection for more than 30 years.
A portion of the proceeds of the sale will benefit the Soi Dog Foundation, a charity based in Phuket, Thailand, which rescues and cares for thousands of dogs every year.
"David Bowie changed music forever and fans are hungry for related precious objects that bring them closer to their favorite musician," said Margaret Barrett, Director of Entertainment and Music Auctions at Heritage, "What brings you closer than a lock of hair?"
Further items of David Bowie memorabilia sold during the auction included an abstract charcoal sketch entitled VI, dating from 1996, which sold for $7,500, and an RIAA Hologram Gold Record Sales Award commemorating the sale of 500,000 copies of ‘Let’s Dance’ which sold for $5,000.
