London – As a founding member of the seminal rock band Fleetwood Mac – and the genius behind the hits Albatross, Black Magic Woman, and Man of the World – Peter Green (1946-2020) is still widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists and songwriters of all time. Despite leaving Fleetwood Mac in 1970, Green's pioneering talents gained him a legion of faithful fans, including the likes of fellow legendary guitarists Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Kirk Hammett, David Gilmour and Noel Gallagher. Over his lifetime Green amassed a large range of more than 150 guitars, as well as amps, pedals and other equipment. This impressive collection of individual items will be offered from his Estate for the first time. Together with his treasured guitars the sale comprises several important handwritten lyrics and some of his psychedelic sketches in a dedicated online-only sale running from 16 - 28 June on bonhams.com. Leading the sale will be rare Peter Green handwritten lyrics for the Fleetwood Mac hit Man Of The World, which has an estimate of £40,000-60,000.

Katherine Schofield, Director of Bonhams Popular Culture Department, commented: "Peter Green was one of the greatest guitarists. Even when out of the limelight, the tributes paid to his playing throughout his lifetime continued to highlight his reputation and the esteem his fellow artists held him in. This sale is a celebration of his love for the guitar, with a number of different makes and models, for enthusiasts and career musicians. With estimates starting at the accessible price point of £150, this is a unique opportunity to own a piece of Peter Green's legacy."

The Peter Green Estate commented: "Peter's contribution to the Blues and Rock music genres as a brilliant musician, guitarist, songwriter and vocalist is well established worldwide. Peter was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. His guitar playing was original and unique. BB King said Peter had the sweetest tone he'd ever heard: "He was the only one that gave me the cold sweats." We hope that Peter's guitars and other items included in the auction will be of great interest to his fans and find good homes."

Star lots from The Peter Green Collection will be exhibited at the annual Guitar Show in Birmingham on 25-26 February.

Highlights from the collection include:

• A Gretsch White Falcon 6137 'Stereo' Semi-Acoustic Guitar, 1968. Estimate: £6,000-8,000.

• A Fender Stratocaster USA Custom Shop Relic Electric Guitar, 1999, Sea Foam Green finish. Estimate: £5,000-6,000.

• A Squier Strat Special Edition 20th Anniversary Standard Series Electric Guitar, Blue finish. Seen in the 'Canvey Island Sessions'. Estimate: £2,000-3,000.

• A Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion III Semi-Acoustic Guitar, Ebony finish, 1995. Peter Green's 'comeback guitar' used at Buxton Opera House, used in Splinter Group era. Estimate: £4,000-5,000.

• A National Duolian Style-O 1931 Acoustic Guitar, Steel finish. Estimate: £3,000-5,000.

• A G&L Strat SC3 Electric Guitar, circa 1984-1987, Yellow finish. Estimate: £1,500-2,000.

17 February 2023