Model Pattie Boyd Auctions Love Letters from Eric Clapton and George Harrison

Model Pattie Boyd, famous for her link to a love triangle involving guitar legends Eric Clapton and George Harrison, is set to auction a collection of revealing love letters that shed light on her complex relationships with both musicians.

As a muse for both Harrison, known for his song “Something,” and Clapton, the mastermind behind hits like “Wonderful Tonight” and “Layla,” Boyd’s auctioned letters unravel the emotional entanglements of the trio. Initially married to the acclaimed Beatle George Harrison, Boyd caught the attention of Eric Clapton, a close friend of Harrison, through a series of passionate notes.

Boyd, whose path crossed with the Beatles during her involvement in their cinematic piece “A Hard Day's Night” in 1964, felt an instant bond with Harrison, the reserved guitarist of the group. Their connection soon blossomed into a romantic relationship and led to their marriage in January 1966, during the band’s extensive touring period.

Clapton, a frequent visitor at Boyd and Harrison’s residence in Surrey, secretly harbored affection for Boyd, even as she was wedded to Harrison. In a meticulously crafted letter in 1970, Clapton inquired about Boyd’s feelings toward her husband, articulating his desire for her with eloquent prose and a plea for honesty.

Engrossed in the emotional saga, a second missive from Clapton, penned on a page torn from John Steinbeck’s novel, poignantly expressed his sentiments to Boyd under the alias “Dear Layla,” later inspiring the famous rock anthem “Layla.” Despite Boyd’s initial reservation, the romance between her and Clapton flourished, culminating in their marriage in 1979, endorsed by a supportive Harrison.

Amidst the auction, Boyd is putting up for sale her collection of intimate memorabilia like the heartwarming note from Harrison portraying his longing and a Christmas card of 1968. Alongside these treasures, Boyd is parting ways with the iconic painting “La jeune fille au bouquet” by Emile Théodore Frandsen de Schomberg, featuring on the cover of Clapton’s 1970 album “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs.” The artwork, resonant of Boyd’s allure, is expected to fetch between £40,000 and £60,000.

As Boyd, the daughter of a former RAF pilot, approaches her 80th birthday, she reflected on her decision to part with these possessions, expressing her hope to share them with the world and let others relish the tales they carry.