5-8-2023 (LONDON) More than 1,400 personal items belonging to the legendary Freddie Mercury are set to be showcased in a compelling exhibition at Sotheby’s London, ahead of their anticipated sale. The exhibition, titled “Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own,” offers a rare glimpse into the life and legacy of the iconic Queen frontman. It is a remarkable collection that includes his flamboyant stage costumes, handwritten drafts of timeless hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and even the cherished baby grand piano that served as the birthplace of Queen’s greatest hits.
These treasured belongings had been preserved for over three decades within Mercury’s west London mansion, left in the care of his close friend Mary Austin after the singer’s passing in 1991. However, in an interview with the BBC in April, the 72-year-old Austin revealed her decision to sell almost all of the items, stating her desire to “close this very special chapter in my life” and “put my affairs in order.”
The exhibition houses a plethora of Mercury’s personal treasures, many of which have never been seen before. Among them are working drafts of some of Queen’s biggest hits, including “Don’t Stop Me Now,” “We Are the Champions,” and “Somebody to Love.” A particularly intriguing find is a handwritten draft of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which bears witness to Mercury’s creative process, revealing that he initially toyed with the title “Mongolian Rhapsody” before ultimately crossing it out. This historical artifact is expected to fetch an impressive sum at the auction, estimated between 800,000 to 1.2 million pounds.
Gabriel Heaton, a specialist at Sotheby’s, spoke highly of the extensive working drafts present in the collection, stating that they provide a fascinating insight into how Mercury’s songs evolved and took shape during the 1970s.
The crown jewel of the exhibition, however, is Mercury’s beloved Yamaha baby grand piano. Steeped in personal significance, this iconic instrument is projected to sell for a remarkable 2 to 3 million pounds. The piano not only survived numerous house moves but also took center stage at Mercury’s mansion, becoming the heart of his musical and personal journey from 1975 until his untimely demise.
The exhibition also reveals Mercury’s love for theatrics and showmanship through dazzling sequinned, skin-tight catsuits, leather jackets, and the opulent red cape and crown he wore during his final Queen performance in 1986. Additionally, visitors have the chance to explore Mercury’s collection of Japanese silk kimonos and glimpse more intimate items such as a school book dating back to the 1960s when he first arrived in the UK.
The showcase also unveils Mercury’s artistic side, featuring his cherished art collection, which includes works by renowned artists like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Marc Chagall. The eclectic antique furniture and numerous cat figurines further highlight the unique tastes and passions that shaped Mercury’s life.
Embracing Mercury’s own desire to be “surrounded by splendid things” and lead a life “surrounded by exquisite clutter,” Sotheby’s has transformed its central London building into a fitting tribute to the musical icon. All 15 galleries have been dedicated to his story, offering the public an unprecedented opportunity to delve into his world. The exhibition runs from Friday until September 5 and is free for all to view.
After the exhibition, the items will go on sale in a series of auctions later in the month. Sotheby’s expects the buyers to include institutions like museums, as well as devoted members of Mercury’s global fanbase. Although some may wonder if these rare objects should be housed in a museum for public appreciation, Thomas Williams, Sotheby’s furniture and decorative arts specialist, explained that Mercury had expressed his aversion to a “stuffy museum.” He would have surely approved of the vibrant and democratic exhibition that has been curated in his honor.
