Freddie Mercury's personal treasures to be auctioned by Sotheby's. See details

In a historic event, more than 1,400 of Freddie Mercury's cherished possessions, including flamboyant stage costumes, handwritten drafts of iconic songs like "Bohemian Rhapsody," and the baby grand piano that gave life to Queen's greatest hits, will be up for sale.

Sotheby's London will host a remarkable free exhibition, showcasing this vast collection, left by the legendary singer to his close friend Mary Austin, preserved for three decades in his west London mansion since his passing in 1991.

Mary Austin, aged 72, recently revealed in a BBC interview that she has decided to part with almost all the items, seeking to "close this very special chapter" and put her affairs in order. Among the treasures are mesmerizing sequin catsuits, leather jackets, and the opulent red cape and crown worn by Mercury in his final Queen performance in 1986. The collection also features unpublished drafts of hit songs like "Don't Stop Me Now," "We Are the Champions," and "Somebody to Love."


The auction's highlight is the handwritten draft of "Bohemian Rhapsody," revealing Mercury's experimentation with calling it "Mongolian Rhapsody" before crossing it out. Experts anticipate it to fetch a staggering £800,000 to £1.2 million. The star of the show, however, is undoubtedly Mercury's beloved Yamaha baby grand piano, with a predicted price of £2 million to £3 million. The piano held immense sentimental value for Mercury, occupying the spotlight in his mansion and serving as the heart of his musical and personal journey from 1975 until his demise.

The exhibition also showcases Mercury's art collection, featuring masterpieces by esteemed artists like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Marc Chagall.

The auction will be held later in the month, with items ranging from Mercury's chopsticks and sewing kit starting at under £100, ensuring accessibility for fans and collectors alike. The exhibition is open for viewing from Friday until September 5, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to relish the remarkable world of Freddie Mercury.

FAQs

What is the significance of Mercury's Yamaha baby grand piano?
The Yamaha baby grand piano played a crucial role in Mercury's musical and personal life from 1975 until his death. It is considered one of the most meaningful possessions he owned and is expected to sell for £2 million to £3 million.

Is there a way to acquire items at the auction without attending in person?
Sotheby's typically offers various bidding methods, which may include online bidding options for those unable to attend the auction physically. Further details on bidding options will be available through Sotheby's official channels.