It was the first time it had been shown publicly in more than 30 years, but the auction of Freddie Mercury memorabilia and personal items organized by Sotheby’s last September 6 was too special an occasion not to celebrate it in the right way celebrate. And so Mary Austin overcame her natural reluctance and took part in the auction of over 1,500 lots, which ultimately raised £40 million, equivalent to 46.5 million euros: a record for a collection of this kind (part of the proceeds go to the Mercury Phoenix Trust). and the Elton John Aids Foundation). Austin, a friend and ex-girlfriend of the Queen’s leader who bequeathed her the Garden Lodge villa in the heart of London, agreed to be photographed in the company of Oliver Barker (manager of the auction house) in front of the historic Yamaha piano sits by Mercury, which was sold for 2 million euros.
“For many years I have had the joy and privilege of living surrounded by the beautiful things that Freddie loved, sought and collected from around the world,” the woman wrote in a note announcing the auction. But time passes and it is time to make the difficult decision to close this important chapter of my life.” In reality, Queen fans were not at all happy with the decision to preserve the memories of the legendary, who died on November 24, 1991 singer to be put up for auction, and it was hoped that many of the items up for sale could be displayed in an exhibition, perhaps a traveling event, along the lines of the one organized in memory of David Bowie.
“I can’t see the auction. It’s too sad. It’s for me, for his closest friends and for his family,” said Brian May. It was no coincidence that, like every year on the occasion of Mercury’s birthday, Brian May remembered him on social media and began by posting an unpublished photo of Mercury Singer shared days of Queen while busy playing his Red Special guitar. “On these special days I inevitably can’t stop thinking about Freddie. When this photo was taken, seeing Freddie moving his fingers on my homemade guitar definitely wasn’t that important. Today it is an image that summarizes a huge amount of affection and many beautiful memories. We miss him very much.