Leading the sale is Slash’s photo-matched, stage-used and autographed Gibson Les Paul ‘59 Custom Shop guitar, played during their Not In This Lifetime tour. That’s the first reunion tour since 1993 featuring Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan. Stage-played guitars from Slash rarely appear at auction, particularly examples used on tour, so this is one to watch.

Also featured is George Michael’s photo-matched jacket, then worn in the music video for his 1987 hit Faith and also during live performances on the accompanying tour. Distinctive details align with well-known photographs taken during the era. Then there’s also an image captured backstage during the Japanese and Australasian leg of his 1988 tour.

Among the most significant is an autographed large-format promotional poster for John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Double Fantasy. This was signed on the morning of 8 December 1980, only hours before Lennon’s death. Thought to be the last item he ever autographed, this is the first time the poster has been offered at auction. An accompanying audio recording also captures Lennon discussing the signing and retracing his signature in black felt-tip pen after the ballpoint ink failed to set.

The auction also includes a Shure 565 SD award gold microphone presented to Queen and used by Freddie Mercury. The microphone comes directly from the collection of Peter Hince, Queen’s head roadie and Mercury’s personal assistant on tour, to whom it was gifted by Mercury. This is the first example with direct provenance from Hince to be offered at auction.

So, do you want to know more? Here’s what you can bid on – and also how much the auction house expects the lots to go for:

Guns N’ Roses

Slash’s Guns N’ Roses photo-matched tour stage-used and autographed Gibson Les Paul ‘59 Custom Shop Guitar
Estimated at £150,000 – £300,00

George Michael

George Michael’s photo-matched Faith music video and tour custom La Rocka leather jacket
Estimated at £60,000 – £120,000

John Lennon and Yoko Ono

John Lennon autographed and annotated Double Fantasy promotional poster
Estimated at £60,000 – £120,000

Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney’s handwritten Goodbye first draft lyrics, 1969 
Estimated at £55,000 – £110,000

Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix, Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell autographed 51st anniversary handwritten lyrics, 1967 
Estimated at £35,000 – £70,000

Queen

Freddie Mercury’s gold Shure 565 SD Microphone Award used for Top of the Pops performance, 1982
Estimated at £30,000 – £60,000

David Bowie

Aladdin Sane concept cover vintage proof print
Estimated at £25,000 – £50,000

Motley Crue

Nikki Sixx’s photo-matched autographed and inscribed stage-used Schecter J-4 Bass Guitar
Estimated at £10,000 – £20,000

Live Aid

Queen, Paul McCartney, George Michael, David Bowie, Elton John and others autographed Live Aid concert programme and assorted production paperwork, 1985
Estimated at £10,000 – £20,000

Oasis

Noel Gallagher’s Les Paul Custom 20th anniversary guitar played during the recording of Standing on the Shoulder of Giants and Heathen Chemistry 
Estimated at £10,000 – £20,000

Eurovision Song Contest

Eurovision Song Contest composer’s award trophy presented to Benjamin Alasu for The Code by Nemo 
Estimated at £10,000 – £20,000

Notorious B.I.G

The Notorious B.I.G.’s custom leather jacket worn in the Rhyme & Reason documentary 
Estimated at £10,000 – £20,000

Guns N’ Roses

Matt Sorum’s played and autographed Guns N’ Roses Partial Mapex Orion Series Drum Kit 
Estimated at £8,000 – £16,000

Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse’s photo-matched Fred Perry cropped trench coat 
Estimated at £4,000 – £8,000

Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran’s screen-matched and autographed jacket and worn ensemble pieces from the Shape of You music video `
Estimated at £3,500 – £7,000

How To Bid

The auction will take place live on 30 April, with bidding available online, by telephone, and via absentee bids for collectors worldwide. Auction registration is now open, and the full catalogue is available here.

Prop Store will also be hosting a special public free exhibition at London’s The Cumberland Hotel from 22-25 April, where fans and collectors will have the chance to see the highlight lots up close, before they go under the hammer. Find out more about The Cumberland Hotel event here.

The post For a Piece of History Check Out This £1.5m Music Live Auction appeared first on Best of Living.

Tracey Emin: A Second Life at Tate Modern, London
26 February-31 August

A landmark exhibition celebrating 40 years of one of the world’s most important contemporary artists, Tracey Emin: A Second Life is a journey of unapologetic self-expression, exploring passion, pain, and healing through the vehicle of the female body. The artist’s biggest exhibition to date, expect seminal installations from the Nineties, including the iconic, My Bed, plus paintings, sculpture, and also some never exhibited before works. www.tate.org.uk

Leicester Comedy Festival, venues across Leicestershire
4-22 February

As Europe’s largest and longest-running comedy festival, February sees 700 performances pop up across this county, with household names such as Sir Stephen Fry, Sara Pascoe, Ian Stone and Paul Merton performing alongside emerging talent. For the children, The UK Kids’ Comedy Festival will also run at the same time, showcasing 70 shows suitable for younger audiences. www.comedy-festival.co.uk

The Guinness Men’s Six Nations Rugby Championship, Allianz, Principality and Scottish Gas Murrayfield stadiums
15 February-14 March

One of the highlights of the UK’s sporting calendar, this six-week tournament has been defining rugby since 1883. Nearly 180 million people tuned in to watch six nations battle it out last year – so whether you grab some tickets or soak up the excitement in the comfort of your own home, you can count on old rivalries resurfacing and also new stars being made. www.sixnationsrugby.com

Dracula, Noel Coward Theatre, London
2 February – 30 May

Following the massive success of Wicked and Wicked: For Good, celebrated Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award-winner, Cynthia Erivo, returns to the stage for the first time in almost a decade. Starring in a brave reimagining of Bram Stoker’s classic gothic novel, she will play all 23 characters in this chilling tale, directed by visionary theatre maker, Kip Williams. www.draculawestend.com

Chinese Lunar New Year Celebrations, cities across the UK
Dates throughout February

Celebrate the year of the horse by visiting one of the colourful parades taking place across the country. Head to the capital on 21 and 22 February for the biggest Chinese New Year celebrations outside Asia with red lanterns, floats and street food aplenty. Then check out Manchester’s spectacular Dragon Parade on 15 February or Birmingham’s Hippodrome Square between 17 and 22 February for a New Year Market, funfair and cultural performances.

Shadowlands, Aldwich Theatre, London
5 February – 9 May

Hugh Bonneville takes a break from Paddington and Downton Abbey to star in William Nicholson’s beloved play about celebrated author, C.S Lewis. Based around the unexpected love affair between academic Lewis and American poet, Joy Davidman (played by Maggie Siff of Mad Men and Sons of Anarchy), this production will inspire bookworms young and old. www.shadowlandsplay.com

Ramses & The Pharaohs’ Gold, Neon, Battersea Power Station, London
From 28 February

Ramses the Great ruled ancient Egypt for nearly 67 years, so this astounding exhibition, part of a global tour, is your chance to immerse yourself into the extraordinary world of the Warrior King. Showcasing 180 priceless artefacts on loan from Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiques, encounter ornate sarcophagi, royal masks and then the original wooden coffin that once held the legendary Pharaoh’s mummy. www.RamsesTheExhibition.co.uk

Vegan Festival, Paisley, Stockport and Essex
Various dates

If Veganuary has inspired you to go plant-based, be sure to visit one of the fabulous vegan events springing up near you. This month hosts The Scotland Vegan Festival (7 February), Stockport Vegan Festival (15 February) and Essex Vegan Festival (21 February), where you can indulge in all things plant-powered – from food and drink to beauty, homeware and workshops. www.veganeventsuk.co.uk

John Moores Painting Prize, Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool
Until 1 March 2026

Then there’s the chance to catch prestigious exhibition, John Moores Painting Prize at Walker Art Gallery, with the Visitor’s Choice set to be announced mid-month. Renowned for supporting artists – established and emerging – from all across the UK, the competition provides a platform to inspire and disrupt the art world, with previous winners also including David Hockney, Sir Peter Black and Rose Wylie. www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

Scottish Snowdrop Festival, locations across Scotland
Dates throughout February

Swathes of delicate white flowers grace gardens across the UK throughout February, and the Scottish Snowdrop Festival has now become one of the most significant annual gardening events for green fingers anticipating the start of spring. Take in breathtaking displays within stately grounds such as Branklyn Garden, Castle Fraser and Newhailes Estate, or visit private gardens and stock up on plants to cultivate your own splendid display.  www.nts.org.uk and www.discoverscottisgardens.org

The post What’s On: February Events to Add to Your Diary appeared first on Best of Living.

Can you tell us more about Tracing Time, your latest exhibit that was recently exhibited?

“It was a deeply personal exhibition for me which evolved from conversations with Jemma around shared themes. Together we presented the contrast between life in the city and the countryside and we both expressed this through our painting. I suppose, the show was really about what thoughts you take away with you. Think a show of nature and cityscapes: a conversation between two completely different landscapes and how two very different artists perceive their chosen subjects.”

Jemma is equally well known for her acting roles in films such as Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. How did you come together as artists?

“It was through a very dear friend of mine, Amanda Harrington — the best in the beauty world, if you don’t know her. She introduced us and we instantly clicked over our shared love of art. The rest, as they say, is history.”

Some of your work has an interesting 3D effect. Can you talk us through your creative process?

“I love the fact that art allows you to create in a way that is completely up to you, so I work with large canvasses, glue, cling film, and paint. Things can get a bit messy, but that is part of the process.”

Your work is inspired by the natural world and the plight of endangered species. Has conservation always been close to your heart?

“It should be close to everyone’s heart. It’s so important today, and especially for our children. The fact that some of our wildlife are poached to the brink of extinction, such as rhinos, elephants, leopards, and whales, should bother everyone. There are many, many species that need our help.”

Yourself and Jemma will both be donating proceeds from your work to TimeGivers, a London-based charity and volunteering platform for children and young adults. Can you tell us about your link with the charity?

“When my friend, Kate Deighton, introduced me to TimeGivers, I thought it was such a forward-thinking charity. Kate is the driving force behind giving amazing children and young adults the opportunity to have wonderful experiences and feel a sense of community. Along with the exhibition, Jemma and I will also be creating a permanent mural on a cafe in Feltham, West London, working alongside TimeGivers volunteers and students, which is thrilling. I will definitely do my bit again in the near future.”

As the daughter of Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood, music and art must be in your blood. How did touring with your father as a child influence the woman you have become?

“I suppose touring nurtured a sociable aspect in me. Getting on with people and being on the road — with what is basically an extended family — was a wonderful and inspiring place to be. I was around creativity, influential people and musicians from the start, and I am very grateful for having that time growing up, surrounded by such talent.”

Your dad is a very collectable artist too. Does he have an impact on the way you paint?

“My father is a wonderful painter, and I think he greatly influenced me on how I create, and enabled me to grow into the artist I am today. Having watched him as a child, then as a teenager and now as a mother of two, I am still mesmerised at seeing him paint.”

We’d imagine the parties were impressive in your house. Which one do you remember most?

“It often surprises people, but the parties we had growing up were actually pretty normal. We would invite our friends over, play musical chairs and pass the parcel; all the usual kids’ games. As a family we love birthdays and always celebrate. These special memories have led me to enjoy my children’s birthdays even more.”

You’ve also collaborated with Skydiamond, designing a ring sold in aid of Neptune’s Pirates. What does jewellery mean to you?

“Fine jewellery has always been important, and I have loved it ever since I was a child. My mother, Jo, was always glamorous and would wear beautiful rings and necklaces. I loved to put them on, play dress up, and think that one day they would be mine. Jewellery has always fascinated me. As for Neptune’s Pirates, this was another charity that really hit home. They are fighting for marine life such as dolphins and whales, which are still being brutally murdered to this day. Neptune’s Pirates go out into the ocean and are stopping anyone from doing anything they shouldn’t. Go and check them out, they’re brilliant.”

What’s next?

“I will hopefully be doing a solo art exhibition and excitingly, there will be even more jewellery. I will be releasing a collaboration with my friend and fine jeweller, India Mahon, which will all be sustainably and ethically-sourced. Watch out for this early next year in 2026. I cannot wait.”

The post Interview: Painter and Environmental Activist Leah Wood appeared first on Best of Living.