George Gershwin was born Jacob Gershwine on September 26, 1898. He died on July 11, 1937 and was an American composer and pianist whose compositions spanned popular, jazz and classical genres. Among his best-known works are the orchestral compositions Rhapsody in Blue (1924) and An American in Paris (1928), the songs “Swanee” (1919) and “Fascinating Rhythm” (1924), the jazz standards “Embraceable You” (1928) and “I Got Rhythm” (1930), and the opera Porgy and Bess (1935), which included the hit “Summertime”. Reference: Wikipedia
Below are some examples and price guides to collectible items relating to George Gershwin including a rare edition of Porgy and Bess and a portrait by Andy Warhol.
GERSHWIN (GEORGE & IRA)
Group of items sent by Ira Gershwin to a British fan, comprising:
i) Signature (“George Gershwin”) clipped from a cancelled cheque, affixed lower left to a black and white portrait publicity photograph of George Gershwin in a pin-stripe suit playing the piano, 165 x 229mm., slight vertical crease towards right, mounted in ‘Diamond-Color’ card folder, [1934]; with accompanying typed letter signed (“Ira Gershwin”) to Mrs Peggy Dunne, explaining “…His actual signature, clipped from a canceled check, is pasted on the photograph…”, continuing “…As for Cleo Laine, I have of course heard of her and like her voice and her interpretations… she and Ray Charles have just completed a Porgy & Bess album…”, one page on ‘Ira Gershwin’ headed notepaper, creased with some marks, 4to, 1021 North Roxbury Drive, Beverly Hills, 29 July 1976
Sold for £320 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2023
Warhol, Andy
FS.II 231 George Gershwin, from Ten Portraits of Jews of Twentieth Century, 1980
Silkscreen, not signed and numbered,
Paper size 32 x 40 inches (101,6 x 81.2 cm)
Images size 32 x 40 inches (101,6 x 81.2 cm)
Condition: Artwork is in Very good condition
Sold for US$1,300 at
U.R.D.E. Trade Marketplace in 2023
Porgy and Bess. An Opera in Three Acts. By George Gershwin. New York: Random House, 1935. Limited edition number 170 of only 250, boldly signed on the limitation page at the rear by George and Ira Gershwin (1896-1983) and the other principal creators of the opera, librettist DuBose Heyward (1885-1940) and director Rouben Mamoulian (1897-1987). Folio, original full red morocco, raised bands, top edge gilt, original slipcase. Without original black leather spine labels. Expert repair to pages 459-60. Mild darkening to spine, expert repairs to joints, spine ends and original slipcase.
Sold for US$4,750 at University Archives in 2023
Rare deluxe limited edition PORGY AND BESS opera music book #161/250 dated 1935 by Random House NY and autographed by George and Ira Gershwin (Lyrics), Dubose Heyward (Lyrics and Libretto), and Rouben Mamoulian (director). Hardcover book in rare original slipcase. Very good condition overall, some wear to cover.
Sold for US$2,200 at Americana Auctions in 2023
Montblanc special edition fountain pen, Donation Pen Homage to George Gershwin, Black. Size: 5.7″ (14.5 cm). 14K white gold nib, F. Mint, NOS, in original case with certificates.
Sold for US$550 at Ishtar Auctions LTD in 2023
