AT SOTHEBY'S September 2023 / London

This summer, Sotheby's honored Freddie Mercury through A World of His Own with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the private realm of a global icon. Alongside his legendary public persona, Freddie Mercury was a deeply educated collector with a connoisseur's eye. He was honed over years of careful research and exploration of the artists and movements that sparked his intellectual and aesthetic curiosity.

This collection has remained at Freddie's beloved Garden Lodge for over three decades. It displays the quality and diversity of works that testify to his passion and brilliant mind.

This rich legacy will now be shared for the first time through a series of auctions at Sotheby's London, preceded by a public exhibition unlike anything seen before.

© Sotheby's

THE REGALIA OF A GLOBAL ICON, FREDDIE MERCURY'S INCREDIBLE STAGE-WORN CROWN AND ROBE, WERE A COMMISSION BY HIS FRIEND AND COSTUME DESIGNER DIANA MOSELEY. INDELIBLY LINKED TO FREDDIE, HE WORE THESE FOR THE RENDITION OF "GOD SAVE THE QUEEN" DURING HIS FINAL TOUR WITH QUEEN IN 1986, "THE MAGIC TOUR," ESTIMATED £60,000 - 80,000.

Photo Credit: Sotheby's

Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own | The Evening Sale

Live Auction: 6 September 2023-17:00 BST London

Photo Credit : Sotheby's

Photo Credit: Sotheby's

Martin D-35 acoustic guitar from 1975

Photo Credit: Sotheby's

Sotheby's believes that a Martin D-35 acoustic guitar from 1975 is the same instrument that Freddie Mercury utilized to compose and record Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love."

Later this year, a significant quantity of Freddie Mercury's personal belongings will be up for auction, as declared by Sotheby's.

For about three decades since the untimely demise of the Queen's lead vocalist in 1991, a remarkable assemblage of personal attire, stage costumes, artwork, and other music-related items remained undisturbed primarily and in good condition at Freddie Mercury's former residence in London. However, a substantial number of his prized possessions, with the approval and supervision of his trusted friend and confidante, Mary Austin, are now being offered for sale.

One of the articles included in the sale is a Martin D-35 acoustic guitar from 1975 that Sotheby's believes is the same instrument that Freddie Mercury utilized to compose and record Queen's inaugural number-one hit in the United States, "Crazy Little Thing Called Love."

Freddie Mercury was renowned for his skills on the piano, but he was also a proficient guitarist.

"I like to be surrounded by splendid things. I want to lead the Victorian life, surrounded by exquisite clutter." - Freddie Mercury

At Home gives us a glimpse into the remarkable world Freddie created at Garden Lodge. Behind that famous green door, visitors were met with an unrivaled collection of fine and decorative arts, porcelain and glass, all lovingly assembled over the years through his careful selection of works. With his intimate knowledge of the objects he acquired, the curation and display of these objects were of great importance to Freddie. His ability to seamlessly pair styles and movements, from 19th Century European Furniture to Japanese ceramics, demonstrates his sophistication, talent, and vision as a collector. Guests to the house witnessed this celebration of craftsmanship, with many pieces being the finest examples of their kind.

The last work of art Mercury bought was this portrait by James Jacques Tissot.

Photo Credit: Sotheby's