MUSIC fans in the UK are being offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to completely immerse themselves in the world of a rock icon – and it’s “guaranteed to blow your mind”.
When he died in 1991, Queen frontman Freddie Mercury left his many possessions to former partner and closest friend Mary Austin, who has now decided that the time is right to put them up for auction.
Ryan Gray – The SunHand-written Queen lyrics are on display as part of the exhibit[/caption]
AlamyThe piano he used to compose Bohemian Rhapsody is expected to sell for up to £3m[/caption]
However, before they’re sold, 1,500 of Freddie’s personal possessions are being displayed by Southeby’s in London, in a free exhibit covering 15 different galleries.
Between now and September 5, visitors are able to walk through recreations of rooms in Freddie’s Garden Lodge house in Kensington, which he also left to Austin, as if they had been invited in personally.
A huge moustache hanging above the doors at the entrance of the gallery lets people know that they’re in the right place.
Once inside, each different room is dedicated to different aspects of the iconic singer’s world, encompassing both his private home life and his time life as the singer in one of the world’s most famous bands.
Among the standout objects in the collection are hand-written lyrics to some of Queen’s biggest songs, like Killer Queen, Don’t Stop Me Now and We are the Champions.
Elsewhere, Freddie’s famous crown and royal cape that he wore on stage are also up for grabs, alongside gold records and musical instruments that he wrote some of his biggest hits on.
The Yamaha baby grand piano that he used to compose Bohemian Rhapsody is estimated to bring in between £2-3 million.
Other highlights include Freddie’s many Japanese artefacts, including a collection of woodblock paintings and kimonos.
Personal letters and photographs will also be put up for sale.
Austin said that she had decided to put the objects up for sale because she needed to “put my affairs in order”.
She told the BBC: “The collection takes you deeper within the individual and the man I knew.
“You see the spectrum of his taste. It’s a very intelligent, sophisticated collection.
GettyFreddie’s former partner and best friend Mary Austin is selling the items[/caption]
AlamyHis stage crown and royal cape are among the most well-known items[/caption]
AFPA set of Japanese kimonos belonging to Freddie are going to be sold by Southeby’s[/caption]
“The time has come for me to take the difficult decision to close this very special chapter in my life.”
People have been queuing around the block to get a glimpse of Mercury’s home life since the exhibition opened its doors last weekend.
Oliver Barker, Sotheby’s European chairman, told Sky News fans had even been “crying and fainting” as they visited from all over the world.
He said: “I think that there is something a little bit different about this.
“I think that because Freddie is just so revered, and I think we’re showing the private side of his life, conversely with public life, which has never been explored before.
“So I genuinely think this is a piece of archaeological history-making, happening now.”
Once the exhibition closes next month, the lots will then be sold off from September 6 across six dedicated auctions, giving music fans the chance to own a piece of history if they can afford it.
Meanwhile, this popular temporary London attraction has now become a permanent fixture.
And here’s another little known attraction in the UK which costs just £3 to enter.
AlamyGold records belonging to Freddie Mercury are to be put up for sale from next month[/caption]
Getty – ContributorSome of Freddie’s stage costumes are also available to buy in the auction[/caption]
AlamyA giant moustache has been hung over the doorway to the gallery[/caption]