The Freddie Mercury auction at Sotheby’s was a highly publicised sale of personal belongings, memorabilia, and artworks the legendary Queen frontman owned. Held in September 2023, the auction spanned several days, attracting global interest from fans and collectors alike. Mary Austin, Freddie Mercury’s close friend, consigned the collection after he left her his home, Garden Lodge, and possessions when he died in 1991. A month-long public exhibition, “Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own,” preceded the auction. Sotheby’s also held a “Friday Night Late” viewing on day one of the exhibition, allowing visitors to experience the collection outside regular hours. Here’s a look inside the exhibition and some significant items that went for sale in Sotheby’s Freddie Mercury auction.
Freddie Mercury: A Global Icon
Freddie Mercury, the frontman of the rock band Queen, transcended the boundaries of music to become a global icon. Born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar, Mercury’s flamboyant stage presence and unparalleled songwriting talent catapulted him to international stardom. He captivated audiences with his dynamic performances and timeless hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are the Champions,” and “Somebody to Love.” Mercury’s unique ability to connect with fans across diverse cultures and generations solidified his legacy as one of rock history’s greatest-ever performers. His influence extends beyond music, becoming a worldwide symbol of individuality and self-expression, inspiring countless artists and fans. Freddie Mercury’s impact on popular culture remains profound, and his music continues to resonate with new audiences, cementing his status as a true global icon.
For one month (4 August-5 September 2023) before Sotheby’s series of auctions, the “Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own” exhibition offered visitors a comprehensive look into Mercury’s public and private life, career, and impact on music and popular culture. Visitors could also enjoy food and drink at a nearby café themed around Freddie’s love for cats. And, if they were lucky, attend the opening day “Friday Night Late” event.
Sotheby’s Freddie Mercury Auction – Overview
Here’s an overview of Sotheby’s Freddie Mercury auction, which showcased some significant items later sold in a series of auctions. These include Mercury’s iconic stage costumes, cherished personal belongings, and rare music memorabilia, each capturing a piece of his extraordinary life and career.
Freddie Mercury Friday Late
4 August 2023, 7-10 PM, London
On day one of the exhibition, Sotheby’s hosted a special “Friday Night Late” soirée inspired by Freddie Mercury’s legendary birthday bash in 1986. This exclusive event, by invitation only, invited attendees to celebrate Mercury’s legacy after hours and delve into the private realm of this iconic figure. The evening gathering embraced the spirit of Freddie by encouraging attendees to wear flamboyant hats, as he often requested for his parties! Waiting in the queue to get in, I couldn’t help but marvel at the colourful spectacle of attendees standing around me!
The Auctions
Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own | The Evening Sale
6 September 2023, 17:00 BST, London.
The auction highlight, “The Evening Sale”, honoured Freddie Mercury’s unparalleled life, work, and artistry. This multi-category event featured a selection of artworks, objects, costumes, and lyrics, encapsulating the iconic figure’s extraordinary vision, creativity, and refined taste. One significant item in Mercury’s life and career was his Yamaha piano (see Figure 11). He had an affinity for this instrument and used it extensively in his songwriting and performances. One of the most notable instances of its significance is its role in creating the iconic song “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Here are some photos of a few main items from “The Evening Sale.”
Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own | On Stage
7 September 2023, 10:00 BST London
Freddie Mercury’s stage presence was extravagant and flamboyant, accompanied by unique and elaborate costumes and outfits. His fashion sense was undeniably integral to his on-stage persona and established him as an iconic rock star. Moreover, his natural theatricality, charisma, and ability to fully embody his songs captivated audiences throughout his career. The “On Stage” sale assembled the costumes, instruments, lyrics, and objects that contributed to his legendary performances, creating moments of pure magic. Check out these photos of some stand-out items from the “On Stage” sale.
Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own | At Home
8 September 2023, 10:00 BST, London
The “At Home” sale allowed visitors to discover the extraordinary world of Freddie Mercury at Garden Lodge, his London home for thirty years. Behind the famous green door, Mercury’s house guests could marvel at the meticulous selection of fine and decorative arts, porcelain, and glass, each chosen by Freddie himself. He was particularly fond of the works of Salvador Dali, Marc Chagall and Pablo Picasso. Interestingly, Mercury had purchased many of these items at Sotheby’s years earlier. Wandering through Sotheby’s exhibition was like experiencing his home firsthand, his profound connection to these objects and his keen eye for craftsmanship. From the elegance of 19th-century European furniture to the beauty of Japanese ceramics, Freddie’s collection was a testament to his unmatched sophistication and artistic vision. Here’s a glimpse of some items that highlight the remarkable life of a sophisticated collector.
Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own | In Love with Japan
11 September 2023, 10:00 BST, London
In the spring of 1975, during Queen’s first of many tour visits, Freddie fell in love with Japan. The “In Love with Japan” sale showcased a significant collection of Japanese art and objects, revealing the depth of Mercury’s passion for the country. For example, woodblock prints by great masters, gem-like lacquer, fluid silk, and fine porcelain demonstrate Freddie’s adoration of Japan and his scholarly expertise in the history of its culture and craftsmanship through the ages.
Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own | Crazy Little Things 1
12 September 2023, 10:00 BST, London
The second-to-last sale, “Crazy Little Things 1,” offered a charming assortment of oddities, curiosities, and cherished objects from Freddie’s home. These little treasures held great significance for Mercury, who demanded perfection and beauty in every aspect of life each day. Additionally, his personal belongings offer insights into his private life and personality. Take a look below.
Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own | Crazy Little Things 2
13 September 2023, 10:00 BST, London
Finally, “Crazy Little Things 2” presented another delightful collection of oddities, curiosities, and beloved items Mercury acquired throughout his lifetime, including letters/notes from friends, family, and fans. Moreover, visitors could view rare photographs, album covers, and other music-related memorabilia relating to Queen’s discography and Freddie’s solo work.
The Miko and Delilah Story Cafe
A short walk from Sotheby’s auction house on New Bond Street, a pop-up cafe named after Freddie’s two cats, Miko and Delilah, opened, serving some of Mercury’s favourite dishes. The cafe, themed around Freddie’s cat obsession, featured cat-themed items and vibrant wallpaper. Interestingly, he wrote a song about one of his cats on Queen’s 1991 album “Innuendo.” The song “Delilah” is a playful ode to his beloved feline companion. It was a fitting tribute to his beloved cats! Here’s a look inside the cafe.
Summary
Overall, the “Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own” exhibition at Sotheby’s in London, held in the summer of 2023, showcased the legendary Queen frontman’s collection, including stage costumes, music memorabilia, and art from his Garden Lodge home. Preserved by his close friend Mary Austin, the items highlighted Mercury’s flamboyant stage presence and sophisticated taste. The exhibition culminated in a series of auctions featuring significant pieces from his life and career, such as his iconic costumes, cherished belongings, and rare Japanese art. A special “Friday Night Late” event kicked off the exhibition, celebrating Mercury’s legacy, while a pop-up café themed around his beloved cats added a whimsical touch. The exhibition, without a doubt, provided a comprehensive look at Mercury’s impact on music and popular culture, cementing his status as a global icon. It was a must-see attraction for devoted Queen fans. And a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for music memorabilia collectors to acquire rare and valuable items in the subsequent sales—although they came with a hefty price!
Freddie Mercury Exhibition – Photos
Finally, you can view more photos I took at the “Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own” exhibition below.
Where
“Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own” exhibition, Sotheby’s, London
When
August 2023.
What
I used the Ricoh GR point-and-shoot compact digital camera.
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