Freddie Mercury’s never-seen things auctioned in UK 2023
On Wednesday, Sotheby’s auction house in London announced a world tour-cum-exhibition and six auctions of Freddie Mercury’s never-before-seen personal belongings from his London residence.
Mercury, born Farrokh Bulsara and raised in India at Panchgani boarding school, spent most of his adult life at Garden Lodge in Kensington, west London.
Mercury’s crown, a duplicate of King Charles III’s St. Edward’s Crown for the May 6 Coronation, will be shown in Sotheby’s New Bond Street windows in London starting Wednesday.
Queen’s flamboyant lead singer, who died at 45, was an ardent collector, and his closest friend and ex-girlfriend Mary Austin preserved his London home virtually exactly as it was.
“For many years now, I have had the joy and privilege of living surrounded by all the wonderful things that Freddie sought out and so loved; but the years have passed, and the time has come for me to take the difficult decision to close this very special chapter in my life,” said Austin, who plans to donate a portion of the sale to the Mercury Phoenix Trust and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
“Freddie loved auctions,”
“Freddie was an incredible and intelligent collector who showed us that there is beauty and fun and conversation to be found in everything; I hope this will be an opportunity to share all the many facets of Freddie, both public and private, and for the world to understand and celebrate his unique and beautiful spirit,” she said.
Over 1,500 artifacts from Garden Lodge will be shown in Sotheby’s month-long exhibition, debuting on August 4, in immersive halls dedicated to Mercury’s life.
In June, highlights from the collection will visit New York, London, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong before the London exhibition closes on September 5, his 77th birthday.
On September 6, six auctions and online auctions will begin. An exclusive Collection Book will accompany the auction.
His stage costumes, handwritten songs, fine and decorative arts, and valuables will be auctioned.
Mercury’s replica St. Edward’s Crown and cape, a handwritten manuscript, the lyrics to “Killer Queen,” and a tiny silver moustache comb will be auctioned off between GBP 60,000 and 80,000
The sale will also include an acoustic guitar, a Picasso portrait, and other rare and valuable artifacts from Garden Lodge, a Georgian-style brick estate that the late singer converted into a magnificent, theatrical abode with gorgeous art.
“Freddie Mercury’s collection is a manifestation of one extraordinary man’s creativity, taste and unerring eye for beauty, presenting so much more than just an exquisite selection of the very best examples by artists across centuries and countries,” said Sotheby’s Head of Single Owner Sales David Macdonald.
Over the past few months, Garden Lodge has revealed its layers of treasures, bringing us on a beautiful voyage through his imagination. “Opening the door to the very special place that was Freddie Mercury’s home offers us the ultimate backstage pass into his world,” he remarked.
“Freddie Mercury’s sensational life has left us with a rich array of artistic moments that still move and astound us, a legacy that, like his music, will live on forever,” said Sotheby’s Europe Chairman Oliver Barker.
