Swinging on a Star: The Private Collection of Kathryn & Bing Crosby

T his December in New York Sotheby’s will offer the landmark auction of Swinging on a Star: The Private Collection of Kathryn and Bing Crosby. This exceptional sale offers an intimate glimpse into the lives, loves, and legacies of two Hollywood legends whose careers helped shape the golden age of American entertainment.

Drawn from the Crosby family’s private holdings, the auction features an extraordinary array of treasures amassed over decades—from fine art and collectibles to rare Fabergé pieces and objects that reflect the couple’s shared life, travels, and passions. Together, these items illuminate both the glamorous world the Crosbys inhabited and the deeply personal stories behind their collecting.

Together, this sale celebrates not only the Crosbys’ extraordinary contributions to entertainment and culture but also the enduring spirit of their partnership, a true Hollywood love story reflected through the art and objects they cherished most.

The exhibition will be open to the public at Sotheby’s New York galleries in the Breuer building (945 Madison Avenue) from 13-17 December, offering collectors an opportunity to experience these extraordinary works firsthand.

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Sir Alfred James Munnings, P.R.A., R.W.S

On the Moors 

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An Exceptionally Rare and Impressive Fabergé Jewelled Aventurine Quartz Model of a Lion, St Petersburg, Circa 1900

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Charles Marion Russell

Indian Man & Woman on Horse

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A Rare and Precious Fabergé Jewelled Sapphire Model of a Mouse, St Petersburg, Circa 1900

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A Fabergé Varicolored Gold-Mounted Guilloché Enamel and Pearl Photograph Frame, Workmaster Viktor Aarne, St Petersburg, 1899-1903

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Sheraton Style Satinwood, Mahogany and Marquetry Grand Piano With ivory veneered keys by Erard, Paris, made for the English market February 1897

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Kathryn Crosby's Jean Louis Ivory Matelassé and Fox Evening Coat worn for the Bing Crosby Christmas Show, 1966

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A Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze and Tulipwood, Kingwood and Bois Satiné Parquetry Tea Table Attributed to François Linke, Late 19th Century

Left: Sam Manning, *Portrait of Bing in Green Hat*, oil on canvas
Right: A selection of film reels from the Crosby collection, including Holiday Inn, High Society, Bells of Saint Mary’s, and Robin and the Seven Hoods

About Kathryn and Bing Crosby

Bing Crosby was one of the most influential entertainers of the 20th century—an iconic singer, actor, and radio and television pioneer whose career spanned over five decades. With more than 2,000 commercial recordings, he remains one of the most recorded voices in history. Bing topped the charts 44 times, won an Academy Award for Going My Way, and starred in 104 films, including classics like White Christmas and High Society. A trailblazer in recording technology, he helped develop magnetic tape recording and videotape, shaping the future of broadcast media. Beyond entertainment, Bing co-owned the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team and founded the Bing Crosby Pro-Am golf tournament.

Kathryn Crosby (née Olive Kathryn Grandstaff) was a celebrated actress and television host who appeared in over twenty films, including The 7th Voyage of Sinbad and Anatomy of a Murder. After graduating from the University of Texas, she moved to Hollywood, where she met Bing Crosby during interviews for her column. The couple married in 1957 and had three children. Kathryn frequently appeared on Bing’s holiday specials and later pursued stage roles and charitable work, including hosting the Crosby National Golf Tournament.

Together, Bing and Kathryn Crosby’s enduring partnership and shared passions for entertainment, art, and philanthropy are reflected in the remarkable private collection now being offered by Sotheby’s.

“One of the things that I, along with my sister and brother, wanted to do is to extend the legacy of our parents. That’s why we’re working with Sotheby’s—to preserve and share the memories of both our mother and father. They weren’t just our parents; they touched the world in their own remarkable ways, and through this collection, we can share what inspired and moved them.”

Harry Crosby, son of Kathryn and Bing Crosby

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