Whitney Houston Exhibition Opens

Pat Houston, manager and sister-in-law of the late singer Whitney Houston attended a press preview of new exhibit 'Whitney! Celebrating The Musical Legacy of Whitney Houston at The Grammy Museum in Los Angeles today. Houston, a prestigious six-time Grammy award winning singer, was of course found dead in a Beverly Hills hotel room on February 11, 2012. 

Donna Houston, another sister-in-law of the late star was also present for the grand unveiling. The exhibition display artifacts, photographs, and footage from the Houston family’s private collection. Amongst items on display there are album and career scrapbooks, the singer’s personal Bible, rare photographs, and stage costumes. The exhibit will run until February 2013 at L.A. Live’s Grammy Museum. A public sale of troubled star;s effects in March raised $18,750 in March. 

Earrings worn in 1992 film The Bodyguard went under the hammer for nearly $3,000 at a two-day auction of Hollywood greats’ treasures, alongside other items that once belonged to the singer. The Hollywood Legends sale of stars’ possessions was held at an Julien’s Auctions which is just down the road from the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where Houston was found dead aged 48. 

A grey velvet gown the singer wore to music mogul Clive Davis' pre-Grammy party in 1996 went for $11,250. Pearl drop earrings worn by Houston in The Bodyguard sold for $2,812, while a vest she sported in the film commanded $3,437. Other items included a plum velvet dress, which brought $7,500, and a black and gold pants outfit that fetched $2,125. 

Owner of the auction house, Darren Julien, told Belle News that more than 50 friends, family members and former colleagues of Houston have contacted his office offering to sell items since her tragic death. He said: 'This is something that commonly happens after somebody passes … especially someone with the status of Whitney Houston. 'Her items can increase 10, 20 even 30 times compared to their previous value prior to her death. These items become part of history really. 'Whitney is a legend so it’s definitely an appropriate auction for her. It’s a reason to celebrate her life, not put these items in a box under the bed … Her items are now more sought after.'