In 2023, the world came one step closer to Freddie Mercury when thousands of Freddie Mercury’s personal belongings were sold at the historic Sotheby’s auction. Now, World of Freddie brings that closeness to life — through an extraordinary exhibition, showcasing thousands of personal items from the only auction of its kind: the 2023 Sotheby’s sale, which included many of Freddie’s personal items alongside other music memorabilia.
Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own
In September 2023, a quiet street in London became the epicentre of global attention as Sotheby’s hosted a once-in-a-lifetime occasion: “Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own.” Through a global exhibition and six-day auction, this event opened doors to Freddie’s private world — from his iconic Yamaha piano to his stage-worn Adidas high-tops from Live Aid, and countless personal treasures from Garden Lodge. The auction offered more than 35,000 pieces — from handwritten lyrics to iconic stagewear. All items were sold, with nearly 99% going far beyond their estimated values. As Freddie once said, “I like to be surrounded by splendid things.” And splendid they were. Suddenly, Freddie`s story wasn’t being told through myths anymore. It was being told through his handwriting. His clothing. His things.
From Garden Lodge to the Gallery
Set across 16,000 square feet at Sotheby’s on New Bond Street, the space invited guests to move through rooms and private spaces. From his bedroom to the Japanese room to the dining table — each space was crafted with sensory detail: scent, lighting, sound.
Sotheby’s developed the concept in-house, inviting several consultants to contribute, including Peter Freestone, one of the few from Freddie’s close circle who took part, and together they shaped an experience where visitors could walk through a precise replica of Freddie’s home, designed to feel real and full of meaning. Some visitors waited in line for hours — stretching for nearly a kilometre — to join this journey into the world behind Freddie’s fame.
What We Brought Home: Treasures from the Auction
Thanks to the passion and dedication of Tomas Hykel, many of these personal treasures are now part of the World of Freddie collection. In an exclusive interview, Tomas shared the stories behind some of the most moving acquisitions — all of which will be showcased soon at Freddie: The Exhibition.
One piece stood out above all:
The white Adidas high-tops that Freddie wore during the Works Tour, Live Aid, the Magic Tour, and even in his final video for Days of Our Lives. According to Peter Freestone:
“The most important thing was comfort for his feet.”
And no shoes were more comfortable — or iconic — than these. Tomas knew the moment he saw them in the catalogue that he had to bring them home.
A hidden treasure of the exhibition was Freddie’s koi fish vest — a rare piece that few knew he owned and that perfectly reflected his deep fascination with Japanese culture. From fashion to design, Freddie’s love for Japan influenced many corners of his life, including the layout and decoration of his London home and its infamous Japanese room.
What Remains Unfound (At Least For Now)
Not everything could be acquired — some items remain holy grails in the eyes of the team. Among them:
- The military jacket Freddie wore at his 39th birthday celebration in Munich, his Fashion Aid appearance, and in the music video for his solo hit “Living on My Own.”
- The glossy black grand piano Freddie bought with the money he earned from “Bohemian Rhapsody,” often played by musician Mike Moran.
For now, these remain out of reach. But never out of sight.
When Objects Become Stories
The items displayed at the exhibition in Budapest aren’t just collectibles. They’re the fingerprints of his life. From the way he dressed to the way he laughed, each item in the World of Freddie collection brings us a little closer to the person behind the legend. The man who loved laughter, beauty, cats, Japan, and friends. The man who gave his all on stage — and still had so much to share beyond it.
Photo Credit: Martin Skála
With World of Freddie, you get much closer — not to the icon, but to the man behind it all.
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