He was the king of Queen and his crown could be yours, for the right price. Freddy MercuryThe extensive collection of costumes, fine art, and even handwritten lyrics work for “We Are the Champions” and “Killer Queen” will be Auctioned in September.
The Queen frontman had said he wanted to live a Victorian life surrounded by “exquisite clutter” and left it all to his close friend, Mary Austin, when she died, aged 45, of AIDS-related pneumonia in 1991.
Austin, who has kept most of it as Mercury left it at his home in London’s exclusive Kensington borough, said he had made the “difficult decision” that it was time to sell it all, Sotheby’s said.
Artworks include prints or works on paper by Picasso and Matisse. “Type of Beauty,” a painting by 19th-century French artist James Tissot of his muse and Irish lover Kathleen Newton, is estimated to sell for between 400,000 and 600,000 pounds ($500,000 to $750,000), the highest price of any price. articles included in press materials.
Lyrics to the band’s show-closing anthem, “We are the Champions”, which Mercury wrote on nine pages, including British Midland Airways stationery, are estimated to fetch between £200,000 and £300,000 (£250,000 to £375,000). Dollars).
Mercury donned the jewel-studded crown and draped the red faux fur cape over her bare back after singing “Champions” at Knebworth House in north London during Queen’s last concert together in 1986. She triumphantly returned to the stage and raised her head. crown with the right hand. hand as the crowd began chanting “God Save the Queen” through the sound system.
The crown is said to be based on Saint Edward’s crown, which will be presented at the coronation of King Carlos III next month. Unlike the authentic centerpiece of Britain’s Crown Jewels, the headdress Mercury wears is estimated to only sell for between £60,000 and £80,000 ($75,000 to $100,000).
A Mercury fan on a smaller budget might want to consider his Tiffany & Co. silver mustache comb. It’s expected to cost between £400-600 ($500-750).
Some of the approximately 1,500 items to go on sale will be exhibited in New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong during a tour in June.
They will be auctioned for three days in September. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to charity.