On Friday, February 28, fans of Leonard Cohen will have the rare chance to bid on items from the musician's personal collection during an auction in Los Angeles starting at 10 a.m. P.T. The auction, hosted by Julien's Auctions, showcases what is described as "the largest group of privately held collections of the legendary poet, singer, and songwriter's archival material and personal effects ever to come to auction."
The collection offers a unique glimpse into Cohen's life, featuring items from his former lover and collaborator Anjani Thomas, as well as friend Aviva Layton. Highlights include handwritten drafts of song lyrics, poems, and personal letters, along with sketches that reveal the musician's diverse talents.
Among the notable pieces are handwritten verses from "O Heretic O Infidel," religious artifacts, and a brass menorah gifted to Layton during her first trip to Hydra in 1965. A standout item is a gold-tone locket with faux green stones, which was a birthday gift from Cohen to Thomas, containing a lock of his hair.
Thomas emphasized the rarity of these items, stating, "The [official Cohen] archives vacuumed up anything that came in the market rather quickly. So this is one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities." Additional highlights include a page from Cohen's 1961 novel, featuring handwritten revisions and previously unseen poems, thought to inspire classics like "Bird on the Wire."