The Rory Gallagher Collection auction - a firsthand account in words ...

Karen Skelly was present for the auction of Rory Gallagher’s lifetime collection of instruments and amps in Bonhams of London, and she shares her experience in words and images. Click on the arrows to see here photographers from the event, and read on to find out more about what was a hugely momentous occasion for Rory Gallagher fans worldwide.

'The greatest guitarist you’ve never heard of!' 

Well the world certainly has woken up to the local legend that is Rory Gallagher, born on the banks of the river Erne in Ballyshannon on March 2, 1948 and subsequently moving on to Cork as a young boy.

Rory Gallagher’s lifetime collection of amps, harmonicas and guitars were auctioned in Bonhams New Bond Street London on Thursday, October 17. 

A bittersweet occasion for his dear brother Donal; he had spent many years as Rory's manager and was sole custodian of this vast and important collection of music memorabilia. 

Speaking to Rory's nephew Eoin he said that instead of the instruments sitting in a bank vault it was important that they are played by musicians as Rory would have wished for . 

Making the journey to London for three full days of observation and absorption of the  proceedings I can say that the Gallagher family are a class act - so welcoming and gracious to all those who travelled from near and afar.

Sharing respect and gratitude for Rory was the bond of all those present. 

On Tuesday evening a private viewing took place in Bonhams. 

Upon arriving at the venue it was an absolute sight to behold. Our first glimpse of the spectacle was from a height where all the guitars were under spotlights on the cavernous black walls. 

Strategically and methodically placed. Amps meticulously positioned under soft lighting. 

At that moment I knew it would be a very special few days. 

With Donal and his two sons Eoin and Daniel present the evening was a celebration of sorts, yet we all knew this was the first and last time this valued collection would be together forever. A musical and emotional milestone. 

The pinnacle of the evening was undoubtedly Seamie O’Dowd getting a lifetime ambition to play one of the acoustic guitars. The cosy and intimate crowd stayed close, yelped and yahooed him on! We could feel his inner exhilaration and sheer joy. 

From his side profile I almost thought it was Rory back for the last hurrah among his own! Maybe I just wished!

The following day as the outside world went about their London business I returned to the same venue for a quiet inspection of the 94 lots. A time to savour the calm before the world media ascended by phone and in person. 

There was a gentleness  about the people visiting. A sense of reverence. Paying respect by just being there. 

Many had travelled by train for the day. With a short window until their return journey they drank in every missed detail. Their memory banks were overflowing, rich in credit ready to be shared for an eternity and to those who would appreciate it. Hopefully passed onto future generations. 

Like the leaving of a favourite place it was poignant turning my back and walking away .

In an ideal world this scene would and should be transposed across the waters to Ireland. 

All these varying guitars represent chapters in the biography of William Rory Gallagher 1948-1995 .

Much of the media hype was around the 1961 Sunburst Fender Stratocaster bought for £100 in Crowley’s Of Cork, his beloved instrument that never left his side after it was stolen and recovered in a ditch (after a plea on Crimecall!). 

I observed it in detail. Its vibrant orange paintwork has well faded yet it holds the DNA and sweat of a genius. It is stripped back to the bare wood and the original grains are exposed once more. 

The guitar had a life span of fun and was the instrument to showcase its master's talent to enthusiastic audiences around the world .

Now it will be time for some quiet repose, a time to let the dust settle on what was a phenomenal journey from Ballyshannon to Bonhams. 

The world awaited with bated breath for lot 62. Having arrived before the mass I settled upstairs in the refined and salubrious setting of Bonhams Lobby. 

A huge poster of Rory, his infamous guitar in the air, greeted pedestrians on Bond Street. Not the usual image on such a street I may say . 

An air of excitement quietly frissoned as individuals started to arrive. Rory's family were present but discreetly settled in a side room. It was out of their hands now and I’m sure it wasn't an easy day emotionally. To give them credit it was all very well executed with style and careful consideration. 

Being one of the first to be seated it was curious to see the varied attendees. Some in suits,some ageing rockers, some Irish, but mostly as observers of history. 

As the technical lines were checked the well seasoned auctioneer commenced the marathon with much vitality and eagerness! 

As we progressed through the lots (a whole book could be written on that) some surprises in prices reached. My neighbour in the seat beside me, a knowledgeable fellow concerning guitars, was providing sound effects attesting to the high valuations reached. 

Listening to the bidding wars by phone the dollar was the main currency in conversation. Alternatively a few lads from Dublin had a good representation on the floor providing a sense of interest for us Irish present. Thrilling when they were successful and not so when outbid. Sheena Crowley (Crowley’s Music Shop) on my other side had gathered a hefty go fund me page in Cork. Delighted to say she was successful in acquiring some goodies for future display. 

A momentum gathered as lot 62 fast approached. The vacuous room felt a little smaller as the world duked in momentarily for the main act. Cameras and mobile phones raised in the air were ready to capture every millisecond. 

It was all over in the blink of an eye ! STG£700,000. No floor bids. Two hotlines only. A flush of heat rose in many faces evaluating the importance of the moment. 

All we wished for was a homecoming! 

Word trickled through to us under hushed breath that we had it .. just before a nicely folded note passed to the Auctioneer who announced it to the world.

The wait was over! 

As we sailed through the remaining 32 lots it was the diehards to the end. I can only describe it as a marathon rooted to a chair … all will be revealed in time as to where the goodies ended up. Much of the money raised will go towards Rory Gallagher projects and some to charities. 

Much work and dedication went into this by the Gallagher family in tandem with Bonhams.

They can be very proud in the knowledge that Rory's legacy is secure and he will continue to be a truly iconic figure in the world of music. 

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