![Freddie Mercury in a file photo [Image by Fin Costello]](https://popculturediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Untitled-design-51-696x392.jpg "Freddie Mercury in a file photo [Image by Fin Costello]")
In a historic auction that captivated fans and collectors alike, Freddie Mercury’s personal possessions made a staggering £40 million ($50.4 million). It set a new record for the highest sale of a collection of its kind. The sale, titled ‘Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own’. It featured over 30,000 items from the late music legend’s London home, Garden Lodge. It spanned six days, offering a glimpse into the private world of the iconic Queen frontman.
The crown jewel of the auction was the Yamaha Baby Grand Piano on which Freddie Mercury recorded timeless hits such as ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. This musical masterpiece got sold for an astonishing £1.7 million. It is a testament to the enduring allure of Mercury’s musical legacy.
Among the remarkable highlights of the auction was the unexpected valuation of certain items. Freddie Mercury’s Tiffany Moustache Comb, initially estimated at £400, fetched an astounding £152,000. Handwritten working lyrics for ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ elicited fierce bidding, ultimately reaching a final bid of £1.4 million. A silver snake bangle featured in the 1975 music video for ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ sold for an impressive £698,500.
Freddie Mercury always had a fashion statement
Freddie Mercury’s influence extended beyond music, evident in the dazzling array of costumes and fashion items auctioned. A rainbow satin jacket, a testament to his vibrant style, commanded a striking £203,200. A silver catsuit worn by the ‘Killer Queen’ singer in 1977 and 1979 achieved a notable £139,700.
Auction house Sotheby’s in London had initially estimated total earnings of £7.6 million to £11.3 million. But the fervor of Mercury’s fans and collectors shattered all expectations, resulting in a monumental £40 million total.
In a heartwarming gesture, a portion of the proceeds from the auction will be directed towards two charitable causes. Firstly, the Mercury Phoenix Trust and the Elton John Aids Foundation. They will continue Mercury’s legacy of giving. Oliver Barker, Sotheby’s Chairman, reflected on the incredible auction.
“The word icon can sometimes be overused but here it could not be more appropriate.”
He emphasized how Freddie Mercury’s enigmatic persona had captured the hearts and minds of both long-standing fans and a new generation, underscoring the rare visibility of the music legend’s private side.
READ MORE: Princess Diana’s iconic sweater fetches nearly £1 Million at auction
Brian May just couldn’t watch
While the auction showcased the incredible legacy left by Freddie Mercury, his Queen bandmate Sir Brian May, 76, admitted that the sale was too painful to witness. On Instagram, he expressed the profound emotions surrounding the auction.
Mary Austin, Freddie’s close friend, who had been entrusted with his possessions after his passing from complications related to AIDS in 1991, shared her perspective on the auction. She explained that the decision to part with these cherished items after more than three decades was challenging but important. She believed that Freddie would have appreciated the auction format. As he was an avid collector who found beauty, fun, and conversation in everything.
In this record-breaking auction, Freddie Mercury’s personal treasures found new homes. But the memories of his enduring influence and extraordinary artistry will forever live on in the hearts of fans around the world.
