Jaquelin du Pre's Treasured Keepsakes Hit Auction Block!

The personal belongings of Jacqueline du Pre, one of the most celebrated cellists of the twentieth century, are set to be auctioned next month in Wiltshire. Among the items up for sale are handwritten letters, school reports, and even her childhood teddy bear. Jacqueline du Pre was a British musician who became famous for her incredible talent with the cello. She performed her first concert at just seven years old and quickly rose to international fame. Sadly, she passed away in 1987, but her legacy continues to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world.

Her sister, Hilary Finzi, shared that most of the items being sold had been stored away in boxes for decades. She explained that going through the boxes and seeing all of Jacqueline’s things brought back many memories, some happy and some sad. Hilary said that their parents had kept everything because it was all so meaningful to them. Now, these items are being shared with the public, giving people a chance to own a piece of Jacqueline du Pre’s history.

The auction will be held at Gardiner Houlgate in Corsham, Wiltshire, and will take place in two parts. The first auction is scheduled for the fourth of September and will feature one hundred lots. Jamie South, the auctioneer, described the collection as a remarkable archive of Jacqueline du Pre’s personal life. He said that nothing like this has ever been offered at a public auction before. Through her letters and documents, people can see how Jacqueline grew from a talented child into one of the world’s greatest cellists, and also learn about the challenges she faced later in life.

Jamie South mentioned that it is difficult to predict exactly how much the collection will sell for, but he expects it to be in the tens of thousands of pounds. Last year, a smaller sale of just twenty items brought in over twenty-five thousand pounds, so there is a lot of excitement about this larger auction. Fans of Jacqueline du Pre and collectors of music history are looking forward to the event, which offers a unique opportunity to connect with the life and career of a legendary musician. The auction is not just about selling items; it is also about celebrating the memory of Jacqueline du Pre and sharing her story with new generations.