London (EFE).- The Sotheby’s auction house will put the extensive personal collection of the legendary Queen singer Freddie Mercury, who died in 1991, up for sale in September.
Among the more than 1,500 lots are examples of Japanese art, song manuscripts, autographed letters, paintings, costumes, jewelry and other personal items that will go on sale in six themed auctions throughout September, the company announced in a statement. .
After passing through New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, from August 4 to September 5, Sotheby’s headquarters in London’s Bond Street will host a chronological exhibition open to the public, reviewing Mercury’s legacy with notable pieces from the collection from his home Garden Lodge, in the wealthy neighborhood of Kensington, London.
Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballe
As sources from the bidding house explained to EFE, in the auction there will be a relevant space for objects that linked the artist with the Spanish soprano Montserrat Caballé, with whom he forged a deep personal friendship that led them to collaborate in the creation of the anthem of the Olympic Games of Barcelona 92.
The singer met Caballé in 1983 after attending a performance of Verdi’s opera “Un ballo in maschera”, and in 1986 in an interview on Spanish television he praised the soprano’s voice, after which she contacted him to work together. .
“Their duets are considered the last great triumph of Freddie, who described working with her as a turning point in his career,” explain Sotheby’s sources, who did not reveal which pieces will show that relationship.
The intimate world of the singer shows an eclectic taste with a preference for 19th and 20th century art, as shown by the variety of artifacts that make up his collection: from a Picasso engraving that hung in his kitchen, Victorian paintings or precious glass objects , to Japanese silks and suits, and Art Nouveau furniture.
song drafts
In his public facet, as the leader of one of the most famous rock bands in history, lots that include drafts of well-known songs or the striking costumes that Mercury wore in concerts, including the famous crown that he wore on the last tour of Queen in 1986, will be the most recognizable pieces in this extensive collection.
Mercury himself was an avid collector, but since his death in November 1991 from HIV-related medical complications, his estate has been guarded by his former partner and close friend Mary Austin.
The Queen singer’s personal belongings have never been auctioned before, but Austin says the time has come to part with part of his collection, which he sees as “an opportunity to share with the world the different facets of Freddie, public and personal.” , so that the world will know and celebrate more of its unique and beautiful spirit”.
Part of the proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Mercury Phoenix Trust charity and to the singer and friend of Mercury’s Elton John Aids Foundation, both focused on the fight against AIDS/HIV.