Jackson’s visit began with his arrival at Prague’s Ruzyně Airport on the evening of September 3, 1996. After greeting some of his fans, he and his entourage headed to the Intercontinental Hotel, where he stayed. The following day, he explored Prague and visited several shops in the city centre. On Thursday, September 5, Jackson devoted most of his time to preparations for the concert.
On the morning of Friday, September 6, he visited Prague Castle and met President Václav Havel. In the afternoon, among other engagements, he visited the Charlotta Masaryková Children’s Home in Prague-Zbraslav, where he spent almost an hour with the children and handed out toys. One of the home’s carers asked him for an autograph, which the singer willingly gave her.
It is precisely this autograph, together with a group of photographs documenting Jackson’s visit to the children’s home and a newspaper article containing memories of the occasion, that forms part of lot 2683 in our current auction. Michael Jackson’s visit remains vivid not only in the memories of those who witnessed it firsthand; a monument featuring a bust of the singer standing directly in front of the children’s home also commemorates the occasion.
The entire visit culminated the following day when, at half past eight in the evening, Jackson opened his first concert of the entire tour on Prague’s Letná Plain, completely filled with crowds of enthusiastic fans. The following day, after his successful performance, the “King of Pop” bid farewell to the Czech Republic.
Autograph collecting is particularly fascinating because of the stories that may lie behind each individual item. The Michael Jackson signature in our current offering is a fine example of this phenomenon. Its unquestionable authenticity and direct connection with the Czech Republic give it an additional and unique value. It is an exceptional reminder of a time 30 years ago when the attention of the entire country turned towards a rare visitor — a legend of world pop music.
Similar and equally fascinating stories can, however, also be found behind many other items in our offering of autographs and manuscripts, which has long been the most extensive of its kind offered by an auction house in the Czech Republic.
