A treasure trove of intimate snapshots from the life of legendary rockstar Freddie Mercury has recently come to light, shedding new light on the private world of the Queen frontman.
In a remarkable auction event titled “Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own,” Sotheby’s presented a collection of 265 previously unseen photographs, primarily Polaroids dating back to the 1980s, which had remained hidden since Mercury’s untimely passing in 1991.
These images, a stark departure from the iconic concert photos depicting Mercury’s stage presence, offer a more personal perspective on the rock icon. Mary Austin, a close friend of Mercury to whom he bequeathed his London residence and possessions upon his death, remarked that the collection provides a deeper glimpse into the man behind the music.
David Macdonald, senior director at Sotheby’s in London and the curator of the sale, explained that these photographs deconstruct the mythology surrounding Mercury, portraying him in everyday moments. The images capture Mercury in casual settings, from his kitchen with a cat to snapshots of vases and gatherings with friends in the garden.
Beyond domestic scenes, the photographs also reveal Mercury’s fascination with Japan, his affection for his beloved pet cats, and glimpses of his leisure activities.
The auction, which concluded on September 6, fetched a price between £5,000 ($6,245) and £7,000 ($8,743), a testament to the enduring public fascination with the enigmatic star who forever remained ahead of his time. These newly unearthed glimpses into Mercury’s private world offer fans a fresh perspective on the music legend’s multifaceted life.
