Freddie Mercury’s ‘clutter’ eclectic collection is on sale

LONDON (AP) — He’s the King of Queens and his crown could be yours for the right price.

Freddie Mercury’s vast collection of clothing, fine art and even handwritten lyrics to “We Are the Champions” and “Killer Queen” will be auctioned in September.

The Queen frontman said he wanted to live a Victorian life surrounded by “exquisite clutter,” and when he died of AIDS-related pneumonia in 1991 at the age of 45, his close friend Mary I left everything to Austin.

Austin, who kept most of it as Mercury left it in his home in an upmarket Kensington neighborhood in London, said it had reached a “tough decision” that it was time to sell it all, Sotheby’s said. said.

Artwork includes prints or works on paper by Picasso and Matisse. 19th-century French artist James Tissot’s portrayal of Irish muse and lover Kathleen Newton in ‘The Type of Beauty’ from £400,000 to his £600,000 ($500,000 to his $750,000) Estimated to be sold.

Mercury wrote nine pages of lyrics to the band’s show-closing anthem, “We are the Champions,” which also included British Midland Airways letter paper and sold between £200,000 and £300,000. dollars).

After singing “Champions” with Queen at their last concert at Knebworth House in north London in 1986, Mercury donned a rhinestone-encrusted crown and wore red faux fur over her naked back. covered with a cloak. When the crowd started singing “God Save the Queen” from the sound system.

The crown is said to be based on St. Edward’s crown, which will be taken up at the coronation of King Charles III next month. The headpiece worn by Mercury is estimated to sell for £60,000 to £80,000 ($75,000 to $100,000), unlike the real centerpiece of his crown jewel in the UK.

Mercury fans on a tight budget might consider Tiffany’s silver mustache comb.

Some of the nearly 1,500 items for sale will be on display in New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong during the tour in June.

It will be auctioned over three days in September. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to charity.