Three years ago, Freddie Mercury’s distinctive stage outfits and personal belongings were auctioned for £40 million, causing concern among Queen enthusiasts that these items might be lost forever. However, starting this weekend, a year-long exhibition will revive the charismatic frontman’s essence with 1,000 artifacts on display, ranging from stage attire to song lyrics, including his cherished teasmade.
Peter Freestone, Freddie’s former personal assistant, collaborated with Tomas Hykel, a Czech entrepreneur and devoted Queen fan, to meticulously gather items that were auctioned at Sotheby’s in London in 2023. The 71-year-old Peter expressed, “The exhibit will consolidate the memories of the Freddie I was acquainted with under one roof for a year.”
The sale of Freddie’s possessions was initiated by his beneficiary and ex-fiancée Mary Austin, who made the decision to sell his entire estate and belongings from his former residence, Garden Lodge, in Kensington, west London. Despite their romantic relationship ending in the mid-1970s, Mary and Freddie, who came out as gay during that time, remained close.
Notably, Freddie’s baby grand Yamaha piano was sold for a remarkable £1.7 million, with the lyrics to Bohemian Rhapsody fetching £1.3 million. Many of these items have now been repurchased or loaned to Peter and Tomas for The World of Freddie exhibition at The House of Music Hungary in Budapest.
This exhibition commemorates the 40th anniversary of Queen’s performance in Budapest in July 1986, marking one of the initial major international acts to perform behind the iron curtain. Following the conclusion of the exhibition in April, the plan is for it to travel globally as a lasting tribute to Freddie, who would have turned 80 in September.
Peter, who was a close friend and PA to Freddie until his passing from AIDS at 45 in 1991, expressed hopes that fans will appreciate the exhibition. Over 1,000 items are on display, acquired through repurchase, fan online resale platforms, or loaned by collectors, providing a lasting showcase of Freddie’s life and impact for all to enjoy.
Key items in the exhibition include Freddie’s renowned white Adidas high top sneakers, a jacket from the Bohemian Rhapsody video, the leotard from the I Want To Break Free video, and the pale blue suit worn during his final public appearance at the 1990 Brit Awards. Additionally, his tuxedo from the 1991 Queen video I’m Going Slightly Mad and the Betty Boop cartoon T-shirt worn in Budapest are featured.
The exhibition also showcases Freddie’s hobbies, such as his passion for collecting Japanese art and his love for Scrabble, ensuring a multi-sensory experience for visitors.
Peter reminisced about Freddie’s generous nature, recalling instances where the singer would gift items to make others happy, exemplifying his kindness and thoughtfulness. He also shared a poignant moment when Freddie acquired a painting as a gift for Elton John shortly before his passing.
The Budapest location was chosen for the exhibition launch due to scheduling constraints at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum. Peter highlighted the interest of the V&A but mentioned that the earliest availability for hosting the exhibition was