The Story of... Jimi Hendrix and his memorabilia

Saturday September 18 will mark the 40th Anniversary of Jimi Hendrix's death in his Notting Hill flat in London back in 1970.

However, it's another of his former London addresses that is set to grab the interest of collectors. That's because the top floor flat of 23 Brook Street in Mayfair has been turned into an exhibition to mark the anniversary.

The exhibit features memorabilia, art, photographs and of course music from the 1970s icon who passed away at the peak of his powers, aged just 27 years old.


Hendrix's famous trousers sold for £20,000
And the good news from the Handel House led event is that the exhibit has proven highly popular, with advanced tickets already sold out for the entirety of its run.

Whilst in the US, the anniversary of Hendrix's passing is being recognised by museums like Seattle's "Experience Music Project" which is running a "Jimi Hendrix: An Evolution of Sound" exhibition which is set to be the first of a series of events related to the guitar legend.

The exhibit is set to include an "iconic guitar wall" that includes his famous Woodstock Fender Stratocaster, as well as a musical and cultural timeline and various interactive exhibition pieces.

These increased levels of media attention and the 40th anniversary are sure to have a positive effect on the value of Hendrix collectibles.

Hendrix's viability as an investment has been booming in recent years...

Recent high-profile Hendrix sales included his 1966 Fender Mustang guitar, auctioned for $480,000 in 2007, while his autograph has increased in value by 397.5% over the last 10 years.

And this sale is only the beginning. Vintage posters from the concerts of Hendrix offer some of the best entry level investments on the music memorabilia market.

One poster of the "Jimi Hendrix Experience" at the 1968 Pop festival in Miami, came up for auction in New York in 2007 selling  for £12,500 ($18,750) against an estimate of £1,000 ($1,500).

Essentially these sales demonstrate the enduring appeal behind Hendrix collectibles.


A signed Hendrix LP

Hendrix was one of the icons of the 1970s because he effectively combined striking fashion with era defining music which has endured the test of time.

The prices within the market are underpinned by a collector base which appreciated his work as much now as they did then.

Furthermore, new generations of music listeners continue to be introduced to his work.

2006 saw his debut album "Are you experienced" inducted into the National Recording Registry, which recognizes music that is, "culturally, historically, or aesthetically important, and/or inform or reflect life in the United States."

Hendrix collectibles offer the perfect mix of history and nostalgia that drives much of memorabilia investment today.

Mementos from cherished LPs, memorabilia from live concerts and clothing that helped create his famous image can all be found on the market.

An autographed edition of Hendrix's "Are you experienced?" LP can currently be purchased for £3,750 ($5,800)

Whilst one online auction service, recently put Hendrix's earliest known signed recording contract from October 1965, up for auction with estimate of £147,000 ($225,000) attached.

There has never been a better time to "experience" the Jimi Hendrix collectibles market.

 

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