- A Musical Legacy: Freddie Mercury’s Iconic Piano Takes Center Stage
- Rare Collection Revealed: Sotheby’s Exhibit Showcases Mercury’s Personal Items
- Exploring Freddie’s World: Unique Galleries Offer Glimpses of His Life and Artifacts
The exhibition’s centerpiece is the baby grand piano on which Mercury composed masterpieces such as We Are The Champions and Bohemian Rhapsody.
Freddie Mercury’s prized piano, ostentatious costumes, cat ceramics, and a mustache comb are currently on display at Sotheby’s.
Before the auction next month, thousands of items from his collection have been displayed in London at a massive exhibit.
Since the Queen frontman’s 1991 death, the collection has barely changed, except for handwritten lyrics and Polaroids.
He left his Kensington home, Garden Lodge, and its furnishings to his close friend Mary Austin, who shares them.
A portion of the funds will be donated to two AIDS charities.
The collection contains 1,400 items, including stage costumes, a handwritten draught of Bohemian Rhapsody, art by Salvador Dali, a travel Scrabble game, and a large collection of ceramic cats.
Also each of the 15 galleries at Sotheby’s will highlight a unique aspect of Freddie Mercury’s existence.
Visitors can stroll through recreations of his bedroom, bar, and dining room, while notebooks containing his dinner party plans and guest listings are also on display.
The exhibition also features chambers filled with vases, artwork, and a large and striking collection of Japanese clothing and kimonos, some of which are estimated to be worth £11,000.
During a tour of the nation in 1976, he acquired and performed in a renowned red satin silk kimono adorned with fans.
This is the past
Mercury’s crown and cloak from his 1986 Queen tour, The Magic Tour, are extremely valuable stage props.
On his Yamaha G2 baby grand piano, he composed numerous songs, including We Are The Champions and Bohemian Rhapsody. This instrument is the centerpiece of the exhibit.
It is estimated to cost between £2m and £3m.
Oliver Barker, the European chairman of Sotheby’s, stated that admirers have cried, fainted. And traveled from all over the world to view the exhibition, some wearing Queen memorabilia.
He stated, “I believe there is something a bit unusual about this.”
Because Freddie is so revered, I think we’re presenting his private life, which has never been shown.
“Therefore, I believe this is a piece of archaeological history being made right now.”
The exhibition is on display between August 4 and September 5, which would have been Mercury’s birthday.
The 1,400 goods will then be sold in six separate auctions, with the first live evening auction taking place on September 6.
