The Rock & Roll Americana Auction

Lot #669:

Janis Joplin Owned & Used White Fur Purse

Janis Joplin Owned & Used White Fur Purse.

The white fur purse, with a little bit of brown fur mixed in, has a golden shoulder chain, a single fabric "button" that closes with a loop, and silver fabric lining was owned and used by Janis Joplin.

Provenance: From the personal collection of renowned booking agent and promotional manager Irwin Pate. Janis had given this fur purse with the matching hat (also in this sale) to a venue employee after one of her concerts, telling her she had "enjoyed it" but it was time to "share it with someone else." The employee later sold it to Irwin Pate. For over four decades Irwin Pate promoted talent all over the United States and internationally. During his career he and his wife Clarine obtained a large collection of personal clothing and articles belonging to numerous entertainers. When traveling on concert tours, Irwin would obtain these articles directly from the performers, but oftentimes he would obtain many of these pieces from both tour crew members and venue staff. Irwin obtained this purse directly from the venue employee that had received it from Janis Joplin, and the purse remained safely in the Pate collection for several decades.

Dimensions: Measures approximately 12 x 4 x 9.

Condition: Very Good.

Authenticity: Letter from Irwin Pate's widow, Clarine Pate, on Pate Booking Agency letterhead and a Gotta Have Rock and Roll Certificate of Authenticity.