Freddie Mercury’s belonging goes on auction

The Yamaha baby grand piano that Freddie Mercury used to compose and develop some of Queen’s most famous songs, including Bohemian Rhapsody, is the star attraction of an auction of the singer’s belongings next month.

The black lacquered piano is on display at Sotheby’s auction house in central London for the next month, along with almost 30,000 other objects, artworks, items of clothing and furniture, photographs, handwritten lyrics, and other items that belonged to the singer and reflected his eclectic tastes and interests.

The free exhibition showcases Mercury’s private and public worlds, from his gold and platinum discs and flamboyant stage costumes to personal Polaroid photographs, hip flasks, and a travel Scrabble board that he took with him on tour.

“Freddie was a hoarder, he didn’t throw anything away,” said Thomas Williams, a Sotheby’s director.