Jackson’s planned home recreated in Ireland

THE British home of Michael Jackson is being recreated for his Irish fans with pieces of furniture he personally commissioned going on display.

A luxurious 16ft sofa and a feather-trimmed armchair handpicked for Elizabeth Taylor are among the items the late King of Pop ordered for the Kent mansion he planned to live in during his sell-out concerts in London.

It has taken seven days to ship the furniture from the renowned Colombostile Furniture Company in Italy to Ireland where they will go on show on Tuesday.

The exhibition, at Newbridge Silverware Museum of Style Icons in Co Kildare, will run until May 30 before the pieces are sold at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas by celebrity agents Julien’s Auctions.

Phil Donnelly, of Newbridge Silverware, said two 40ft containers carried the 17 items of bespoke furniture overseas for the world exclusive showing.

“This is literally going to be what Michael Jackson’s home was going to be like during those series of concerts,” she said. “Fans are going to get the chance to see it themselves.”

Jackson, 50, died suddenly last June just weeks ahead of his This Is It tour in London’s O2 Arena. Los Angeles prosecutors have charged his personal doctor, Dr Conrad Murray, with involuntary manslaughter.

A total of 22 pieces of Colombostile furniture, commissioned by the icon, will go under the hammer — each with a nameplate stating: “Made Exclusively for Michael Jackson”.

A lavish Swarovski crystal-embellished bergère chair finished in platinum-gold leaf and upholstered in metallic leather and a chair covered in faux leopard fur and edged in Ostrich feathers — which Jackson wanted for when Elizabeth Taylor visited — are both priced at €13,000.

Jackson clothes on display include a signed red leather Beat It style jacket and a white glove.