LONDON, April 26 (Reuters) – From a moustache comb to dazzling stage costumes, private objects belonging to late Queen entrance man Freddie Mercury will go beneath the hammer in September permitting followers to buy memorabilia as soon as owned by one of many world’s most well-known rock stars.
Some 1,500 objects, together with handwritten lyrics, artwork and collectibles from Mercury’s London residence, Backyard Lodge, have been sorted by his shut pal Mary Austin since his demise from AIDS-related pneumonia in 1991.
They may go on public show for the primary time in a month-long summer season exhibition at Sotheby’s in London earlier than they’re bought in six separate auctions, every devoted to a distinct side of the singer’s life.
“For a few years now, I’ve had the enjoyment and privilege of residing surrounded by all of the great issues that Freddie sought out and so beloved. However the years have handed, and the time has come for me to take the tough determination to shut this very particular chapter in my life,” Austin stated in a press release.
“It was essential to me to do that in a method that I felt Freddie would have beloved, and there was nothing he beloved greater than an public sale.”
Among the many objects on the market are Mercury’s crown and regal cloak, worn for the “God Save The Queen” finale throughout the singer’s final tour with Queen in 1986, with an public sale estimate of 60,000 – 80,000 kilos ($74,838–$99,784).
Handwritten manuscript working lyrics for “We Are The Champions” have an estimate of 200,000–300,000 kilos, whereas these for “Killer Queen” have a price ticket of fifty,000–70,000 kilos.
There may be additionally a Tiffany & Co. silver moustache comb (400 – 600 kilos), pink star-shaped glasses (2,000–4,000 kilos), in addition to notebooks of Mercury’s drawings, together with one depicting objects at Backyard Lodge (2,000- 3,000 kilos).
Sale highlights will go on tour in New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong earlier than the primary London exhibition begins on August 4.
($1 = 0.8017 kilos)
Reporting by Marie-Louise Gumuchian; Enhancing by Sharon Singleton
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