Freddy Mercury at Sotheby’s

Last Saturday, I went to see the exhibition at Sotheby’s titled “The World of Freddie Mercury,” in anticipation of the upcoming auction in September.

It was a marvelous display, brimming with items—no, overflowing,

I would say. It’s as if his world, his home, had been transported into Sotheby’s. (I’ll provide a link to Sotheby’s, though I detest the very thought. I refuse to include a link about Freddie, because if you don’t know him, well… I won’t say anything.)

There were coffee cups, kitchen furniture, sofas, chairs. The exhibit began with his passion for Japan, showcasing Japanese-style furniture and various kimonos. Then it transitioned to his home, showcasing crystalware, vases, cabinets, sofas, and the kitchen. The next room displayed an array of gadgets, including ceramic cats of every shape and color (he had a passion for them), followed by T-shirts and other household items.

The tour then moved to the room with platinum records, where you see the genius of Queen, their music, their songs.

The upper floor opened up to Freddie’s world as a leader and frontman.

There were concert outfits, a whirlwind of sequins, shoes, costumes, microphones, song sketches, and famous lyrics. Pianos and guitars, along with worn and faded T-shirts and shoes, were also on display.

Stepping into Freddie Mercury’s world made me feel a bit melancholic, I must admit. In short, seeing his life, what he was, what he accomplished in music—a stroll through his life. I’ve been to other exhibitions before, but usually they revolve around objects. What I saw here was the first one about a flesh-and-blood person, someone I’ve seen up close (well, on TV, not in history books). A person of my time, in other words.

Who knows if this veil of sadness was unique to me.

We bought a book—a memento. Sometimes a relic is needed.