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Lot #3582
Prince: Matthew Rolston Original 'Parking Space' Photograph

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Estimate: $2000+
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Description

Original semi-glossy 8.25 x 10.25 silver gelatin photograph of "Prince's Parking Place," photographed by Matthew Rolston for Interview magazine. The space directly outside the entrance to Paisley Park features a sign marked "Reserved" and was known to all employees at Paisley that this was Prince's designated parking spot—if he chose to use it (he typically used the underground parking garage). Matted and framed to an overall size of 12.5 x 14.5. Includes an original copy of the February 1990 issue of Interview magazine in which this photograph appeared, on page 86 (this example of the magazine was never in Prince's hands or at Paisley Park). Rolston was granted rare access to Paisley Park to produce the four-page photo essay, which incorporates collage elements and facsimiles of Prince's handwritten lyrics. In fine condition.

Prince's former co-manager Jill Willis recalls: "The photos were sent to me by the photographer—and I had the image of his 'dummy' and his reserved parking spot hanging in my office at Paisley for a number of years. The February 1990 issue was the 'inaugural' edition from Interview's newly hired editor-in-chief, Ingrid Sischy and so, this was a big, big deal for me as a publicist. Matthew Rolston was hired to shoot Prince for the cover and we had both flown into Minneapolis for the event. A few minutes after they met, Prince stuck his head in the conference room where I was working for the day and said he was going home. I didn't ask why. I knew he had a reason and if he had wanted to share it, he would have.... So, my task was to do what I could to salvage the shoot, salvage the cover and pick up the pieces. Once I was back in New York, Prince saved the day by calling to say that he would have Kim Basinger shoot some images of him for the cover. However, once we were past the deadline, he called to say it was not going to happen. The call to the editor to deliver that news was a tough one! It was the first time in Interview's entire history where there was not a portrait of anyone on the cover."

The Prince Estate is not affiliated, associated, or connected with RR Auction or this auction, nor has it endorsed, authenticated or sponsored the items available for auction. Further, The Prince Estate has not licensed any of its intellectual property to RR Auction.




From the personal collection of Jill Willis (former Executive Vice-president of Paisley Park).

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Marvels of Modern Music
  • Dates: #667 - Ended June 22, 2023