Freddie Mercury’s ‘clutter’ for sale 2023
He was the king of Queen, and for the appropriate price, you could have his crown.
In September, the extensive collection of costumes, fine art, and handwritten working lyrics for “We Are the Champions” and “Killer Queen” belonging to Freddie Mercury will be auctioned off.
Queen’s frontman stated that he desired to live a Victorian lifestyle surrounded by “exquisite clutter,” and he left everything to his close companion Mary Austin when he passed away in 1991 at the age of 45 due to AIDS-related pneumonia.
Sotheby’s reported that Austin, who has retained the majority of Mercury’s belongings as he left them in his upscale Kensington neighborhood home, had reached the “difficult decision” that it was time to sell everything.
Picasso and Matisse’s engravings and works on paper are included in the artwork. “Type of Beauty,” a painting by 19th-century French artist James Tissot depicting his Irish muse and lover Kathleen Newton, is estimated to sell for between 400,000 and 600,000 pounds ($500,000 and $750,000) — the highest estimate of any item listed in press materials.
In September, Freddie Mercury’s costumes, fine paintings, and handwritten lyrics to “We Are the Champions” and “Killer Queen” will be auctioned.
Mercury penned the lyrics for the band’s show-closing anthem “We Are the Champions” on nine pages, including British Midland Airways stationery. The lyrics are estimated to garner between 200,000 and 300,000 pounds ($250,000-$375,000).
Mercury donned the rhinestone-studded crown and wrapped his exposed back in the red faux fur cloak after singing “Champions” at Queen’s 1986 farewell concert at Knebworth House north of London.
As the audience began singing “God Save the Queen,” he returned triumphantly to the stage and raised the crown with his right hand as “God Save the Queen” played over the sound system.
The crown is reportedly based on St. Edward’s Crown, which will be featured in next month’s coronation of King Charles III. In contrast to the authentic centerpiece of Britain’s Crown Jewels, Mercury’s headdress is estimated to fetch only 60,000 to 80,000 pounds ($75,000 to $100,000).
A Mercury fan with a lesser budget might consider Tiffany & Co.’s silver moustache comb. It is anticipated to cost between 400 and 600 pounds ($500 and $750).
In June, a portion of the approximately 1,500 objects up for auction will be displayed in New York, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong.
In September, they will be auctioned for three days. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a charitable organization.
