Johnny Marr Opens The Smiths Archive As Christie's Prepares Guitar Auction

Johnny Marr is placing a major part of his musical history under the hammer, with around 80 guitars and pieces of equipment due to be sold by Christie's in London later this year.

The former Smiths guitarist's collection is expected to draw interest from collectors, musicians and fans alike, because several of the instruments are closely tied to some of the band's best-known recordings.

Instruments behind the songs

The auction, scheduled for 17 September, includes a 1982 Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo associated with tracks such as This Charming Man and What Difference Does It Make?, positioned as one of the headline lots.

The sale also features instruments from Marr's post-Smiths career, reflecting a working archive rather than a simple memorabilia clear-out. Among the highlighted items are acoustic and electric guitars with estimates ranging from tens of thousands of pounds into six figures.

A private relationship made public

Marr has previously written about the emotional pull of his instruments, and the auction turns that private bond into a public cultural event.

The sale will be preceded by exhibitions in London and New York, giving fans a chance to see the guitars before they disappear into private collections.

A charitable dimension

A charitable element is attached to the sale, with proceeds from selected lots supporting good causes.

• Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
• The National Autistic Society

For British music followers, the auction offers a rare chance to trace the sound of one of the country's most distinctive guitarists through the very tools that helped shape it.