Freddie Mercury's former-girlfriend and lifelong friend Mary Austin is auctioning off around 1,500 items from the late-Queen singer's London home. Mercury, who died in 1991, had left his house and its contents to Austin in his will. Blabbermouth reported the items in the auction, which will take place in September, are expected to sell for an appropriated $7.4 million. The auction items will be displayed around the world in the coming months.
Mary Austin was quoted in the press release for the auction, saying:
For many years now, I have had the joy and privilege of living surrounded by all the wonderful things that Freddie sought out and so loved. But the years have passed, and the time has come for me to take the difficult decision to close this very special chapter in my life.
Freddie was an incredible and intelligent collector who showed us that there is beauty and fun and conversation to be found in everything. I hope (the upcoming events) will be an opportunity to share all the many facets of Freddie, both public and private, and for the world to understand more about, and celebrate, his unique and beautiful spirit.
Sotheby's Freddie Mercury showings will take place between June and September:
New York: June 1st to 8th
Los Angeles: June 14th to 18th
Hong Kong: June 26th to 30th
London: August 4th to September 5th
(from pulseofradio.com)