23 · 09 · 2025
David Bowie’s artwork for ‘Aladdin Sane’ is set to be auctioned later this year.
The classic 1973 album features a mesmerizing portrait of Bowie in his glam rock aesthetic, captured by the renowned photographer Duffy.
A retrospective of the photographer's work will showcase the archives, with The Mona Lisa of Pop: The Duffy Archive opening on October 22nd in a free exhibition at Bonhams New Bond Street.
The exhibition includes a variety of treasures, which will subsequently be auctioned for the first time through bonhams.com and at Bonhams New Bond Street, London.
The main highlight is the original artwork for ‘Aladdin Sane’. Captured by Duffy, it is estimated to fetch between £250,000 and £300,000.
Also up for auction are the two remaining contact sheets from ‘Aladdin Sane’ and the very stool that Bowie sat on during the shoot. All items are sourced from the Duffy Archive, which is established and overseen by Duffy’s son, Chris Duffy.
Chris Duffy remarks...
“Duffy inquired about the album’s title, to which David replied ‘A Lad Insane’. Duffy interpreted that as ‘Aladdin Sane’; I suppose images of a genie and the notion of rubbing an Aladdin’s lamp must have come to him.”
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The Founder and Managing Director of the Duffy Archive, Chris Duffy adds:
“Duffy and I began building the archive in 2006 to ensure the preservation and visibility of my father’s legacy and his iconic images. The works up for sale at Bonhams have been exhibited globally in museums and galleries. At this significant moment recognizing the legendary Duffy/Bowie collaboration, I feel it's fitting that a small but meaningful portion of the Duffy Archive collection is available for many to engage with this legacy. I am grateful to Bonhams for hosting the exhibition of his work for sale and for their respectful approach to his unique role in pop culture.”
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The Mona Lisa of Pop: The Duffy Archive will be on display in a free exhibition at Bonhams New Bond Street from October 22nd to November 5th.
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The artwork for David Bowie's 'Aladdin Sane' will be available for purchase later this year. The legendary 1973 album features a stunning portrait of Bowie in his glam style.