LONDON: Fans of Freddie Mercury might wonder if this is the real life, or just fantasy, when they walk into a near-replica of his London home, where thousands of items belonging to the late Queen frontman will be on exhibition starting Friday.
Rare items including handwritten lyrics, art and collectibles from Mercury's London home, Garden Lodge, have been looked after by his close friend Mary Austin since his death from AIDS-related pneumonia in 1991.
They will go on public display for the first time in the month-long exhibition at Sotheby's, which will then auction many of the items in September, with prices ranging from as low as 40 pounds to millions of pounds.
"We've conceived our gallery spaces to give it a sense of what it was like living with Freddie at home," said David MacDonald, head of single owner sales at Sotheby's London said.
"If he was to walk in, he'd instantly recognise some of the spaces we've created," MacDonald said.
At the heart of the auction is Mercury's treasured, black Yamaha piano, estimated at 2-3 million pounds ($2.5-$3.8 million), on which he composed the 1975 Queen epic "Bohemian Rhapsody".
"It was an extension of himself, his vehicle of creativity," Austin said of the baby grand piano. "He would never smoke at the piano or rest a glass on top of it and would ensure nobody else did either. The piano was always pristine."
Other items for sale range from Mercury's crown and regal cloak, worn for the "God Save The Queen" finale during the singer's last tour with Queen in 1986, estimated at 60,000-80,000 pounds, to a Tiffany & Co silver moustache comb (400-600 pounds).
Handwritten manuscript working lyrics for "We Are The Champions" have an estimate of 200,000–300,000 pounds, while those for "Killer Queen" have a price tag of 50,000–70,000 pounds.
Reuters
Fri Aug 04 2023
A Sotheby's handler examines a Yamaha Grand Piano that is estimated to sell for between US$2-3 million, during Sotheby's 'Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own' press preview in London, Britain August 3, 2023. REUTERS
Lebanon's only burn unit treats toddlers after Israeli strikes
The hospital hallways echo with the screams of children as anxious parents await news from doctors.
AI revolutionising sports to develop world-class athletes
Can a young Orang Asli child from Gua Musang, Kelantan be turned into an Olympic champion in 2036?
Selangor records 1,354 out-of-wedlock teen pregnancies from 2023 to Sept 2024
Anfaal Saari emphasises the seriousness of the issue, especially involving children and teenagers under 18 years old.
ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Elon Musk's Neuralink receives Canadian approval for brain chip trial
The study aims to assess the safety and initial functionality of its implant which enables people with quadriplegia.
Guitar bought by Beatles' teenage Harrison for GBP58 sells for more than GBP1 million
A guitar bought by George Harrison for about GBP58 has sold at auction for more than GBP1 million (US$1.27 million), the PA Media news agenc
Duct-taped banana goes for $6.2 mln in Sotheby's art auction
A piece of art that is little more than a banana duct-taped to a wall sold at auction to cryptocurrency entrepreneur.
Australian teen dies from tainted liquor in Laos; fourth suspected victim
Spurious liquor is a problem in Laos, with the govts of Australia and Britain warning citizens to be cautious when taking drinks there.
Woman found in freezer died from chest injuries - Police
Preliminary post-mortem report reveals that the victim died from chest injuries caused by blunt trauma.
Malaysia, Vietnam to further cooperate in multiple sectors - PM
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says the collaboration will also leverage the ASEAN Energy Grid to foster regional growth.
Australia launches 'landmark' bill to ban social media for children under 16
Australia plans to trial an age-verification system that may include biometrics or govt identification to enforce social media age cut-off.
Court orders PDRM to complete investigations into Beng Hock's death within six months
Judge says the claims and reliefs sought by the applicants are within the domain of public law both in pith and substance.
Zii Jia secures spot in BWF World Tour Finals
This will be Lee Zii Jia's third appearance at the season-ending tournament, following the 2020 and 2021 editions.
PM: Media freedom recognition needs improvement but 3Rs limit action
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says this stems from a request by the Malay rulers for the government to take a stricter stance on these matters.
Malaysian man to be publicly caned at mosque for Islamic crime of close proximity
This punishment involves caning, but what makes it unusual this time is the judge's decision for it to be conducted publicly.
Son of Norway crown princess detained for one week in rape probe
Marius Borg Hoiby is suspected of having sexual encounters with two women who were either unconscious or incapacitated.
Hamas: No hostages-for-prisoners swap deal with Israel unless Gaza war ends
Gaza truce talks stall as the US vetoes a UN resolution calling for an unconditional, permanent ceasefire.
As 2025 ASEAN Chair, Malaysia will prioritise climate change as key regional agenda - Nik Nazmi
As ASEAN Chair for 2025, Malaysia will prioritise climate change as a key regional agenda, aligned with the theme of 'inclusivity and sustainability,' said Minister of Natural Resources and Environmen
Malaysia to host ASEAN round table meeting in 2025 focusing on online service licensing
Datuk Mohamad Fauzi says the roundtable will share perspectives, experiences, and challenges on online service licensing in ASEAN.
Macron’s X post in Malay sparks admiration among netizens
The post, though brief, was written entirely in Malay, sparking admiration and curiosity among netizens.