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See Freddie's collection for the first time ever!
Queen legend Freddie Mercury was taken from us too soon when he died at the age of just 45 in 1991 from an AIDS related illness. Lauded for his distinctive voice, astonishing stage presence and flamboyant costumes, the 'Bohemian Rhapsody' singer spent more than a decade at his home at Garden Lodge in Kensington, West London. Now, his personal possessions are to be revealed to the public by Sotheby's later this year before going to an auction in September and they are as fabulous as he was... (©Sotheby's)
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'It has been a privilege!'
Freddie is pictured here with his former girlfriend and long-time friend Mary Austin. For the last 30 years, Mary has treasured and cared for his home and everything in it but has now made the "difficult decision" to move on and wants to share the memories of her beloved Freddie with the world. She said: "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 more about, and celebrate, his unique and beautiful spirit." A portion of the proceeds will go to the Mercury Phoenix Trust and the Elton John AIDS Foundation. (©Sotheby's)
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Freddie's moustache comb
One of Freddie's signature features was his luscious moustache and this comb - designed by Tiffany and Co. - would have easily fitted inside Freddie Mercury’s wallet to ensure his lip hair was always pristine. (©Sotheby's)
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Stars in his eyes
This pair of light star-shaped glasses are not too dissimliar to the darker ones Freddie sported in the music video for classic hit 'We Will Rock You'. (©Sotheby's)
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He used this guitar to write a monster hit..
This Martin D-35 Acoustic will be displayed in its original case and is pictured here in Freddie's dressing room. Although the guitarist of Queen is Brian May, Freddie was no stranger to the strings either and it is thought that this was the instrument he used to write and record 1979 single 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love'. (©Sotheby's)
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His favorite waistcoat
Freddie wore his favorite waistcoat in what became Queen's final music video, ‘These Are The Days Of Our Lives’, released in 1991. The silk panels of red, green and purple are each hand painted with one of Freddie’s cats; Delilah, Goliath, Oscar, Lily, Romeo and Miko. (©Sotheby's)
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From one music legend to another...
Outside of music, Freddie had a keen eye for art and this watercolor painting by Erte was gifted to him by none other than Sir Elton John. His art is thought to have served as an inspiration for his music stylings. (©Sotheby's)
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This outfit was banned...
The military jacket worn by Freddie in this picture was created for his 39th birthday party, which was filmed for the video of his 1985 solo single ‘Living On My Own’. The theme of the birthday bash was "A Black and White Drag Ball", because of the garishly dressed guests and transvestites seen at the party the BBC refused to broadcast it on its channels in the UK. It was not seen in its entirety until 1993, two years after Freddie's death. In this photo, he is seen with Bond girl Jane Seymour at the Royal Albert Hall in London. (©Sotheby's)
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An outfit fit for royalty...
This regal item - a replica of St Edward’s Crown which will be worn by King Charles III at his forthcoming coronation and the centrepiece of the Crown Jewels - will be on display at the exhibition. Freddie was last seen wearing the outfit for a rendition of 'God Save The Queen' during his final tour with Queen in 1986. (©Sotheby's)
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A 120-year-old lamp!
This Art Nouveau glass vase-lamp dates all the way back to circa 1905 and was owned by the 'Don't Stop Me Now' rocker, who kept it in his living room. On his love of glass art, Freddie once said: "I’m trailing over my Lalique and Galle vases – I’m up to my ears now. I mean, a lot of people used to say my house was like a museum, but now I’m beginning to agree with them." (©Sotheby's)
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'Calling all boys, calling all girls!'
The 'I Want To Break Free' singer is said to have slept with this 1980s vintage bakelite cream rotary telephone by his bed. (©Sotheby's)
Queen legend Freddie Mercury was taken from us too soon when he died at the age of just 45 in 1991 from an AIDS related illness.
