Sotheby's to Auction Freddie Mercury's Never-Before-Seen Private Collection
It has been 32 years since the beloved rockstar passed away, but now, Sotheby's is giving an inside look into Mercury's secret life.
Freddie Mercury, one of the most beloved characters in the music industry, was known for his charming and theatrical charisma. Although the world knew him by his public persona, Sotheby's will soon uncover a new, surprising side to the musician no one has ever seen. Since his death in 1991, Mercury's London home—the Garden Lodge in Kensington—along with the relics inside have been ideally preserved. The collection of items, including stage costumes, handwritten lyrics, Japanese artwork, and more, will be coming to auction later this year. According to Sotheby's head of sale, Mercury's home "has been like a Russian doll, filled with layers of discoveries."
The rockstar had a deep connection to music and performing arts; however, he had a passion for visual art as well. From this collection, Sotheby's has discovered Mercury's admiration of collecting Japanese costumes and art, as well as paintings by the famous Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso. There are also personal remnants that give us an insight into his life away from the stage, such as sketchbooks and presents from dear friends.
The Garden Lodge, said to be originally built in the early 20th century for an artist and his sculptor wife, ideally represents Mercury's imaginative identity. He built this oasis as a reflection of himself, filling it with distinctive artifacts that he kept close to his heart. Since his death, Mercury's home has gone untouched. Everything has stayed in its original place, exactly where he had left it. With the substantial amount of personal belongings and collector's items, this exhibition will be the longest and largest ever presented by Sotheby's in London. Luckily for us, the exhibition will also be coming to New York this summer, so visitors will be able to catch a glimpse of Mercury's ulterior universe before it's put up for auction.
A notable part of the collection is sample lyrics he wrote for some of his biggest songs, such as "We Are The Champions" and "Killer Queen," and the costumes he wore on stage (the famous regal crown and cloak, a kimono, and a waistcoat painted with pictures of cats). Included is also Mercury's Tiffany & Co. mustache comb, which he used daily to tidy up his iconic stash.
"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. It was important to me to do this in a way that I felt Freddie would have loved, and there was nothing he loved more than an auction. 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 more about, and celebrate, his unique and beautiful spirit," said Mary Austin, a close friend and confidant of Mercury who has guarded all of his treasures since his passing in 1991.
