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Read the full article here: On New Bond Street, a variety of artifacts, including Japanese art and an opulent scarlet crown and cape, sparked fervent bidding. Without a doubt, it was a much anticipated occasion. The sale of Freddie Mercury's personal items at Sotheby's London last night mostly lived up to the drama and surprise associated with the great musician himself after a tremendously hyped up lead-up. The auction took in an astounding £12.2 million, above its initial estimate of £4.8 million to £7.2 million. This was a white-glove success story that highlighted the lasting attraction with the Queen frontman as well as the huge influence of human charm in today's art market. Mercury had given his lifelong friend Mary Austin the care of his Kensington home, Garden Lodge, where his collection was kept. The 59 excellent objects offered in the auction represented the very best from Mercury's collection. These objects were on display at Sotheby's for the month leading up to yesterday's auction, attracting an amazing 140,000 visitors. For a large part of that time, lines of enthusiastic art lovers snaked around the block. A new record was set for Sotheby's and perhaps beyond with the nighttime sale on Wednesday, which was a part of a series of live and online auctions that ended on September 13. As bidders frantically raced for 25 minutes to secure the garden door from Mercury's Kensington home, the evening started off appropriately with a frenzy merely to get to the venue. This prized item, which was covered in fan tributes from top to bottom, was eventually purchased by a telephone bidder for an astounding £350,000 (£412,750 after fees), significantly above the high estimate of $25,000. Following these notable findings, there were a number of noteworthy outcomes, including a Tiffany “Lily“ table lamp that sold for £48,000 (£60,960 with fees), far exceeding its high estimate of £12,000 and reflecting Mercury's love of Art Nouveau. The Fabergé vesta case, which was allegedly kept in Mercury's bedroom, was another stunning transaction. It was sold to an internet bidder for an even more incredible £75,000 (£95,250 after fees). It's interesting that, given the location, the fine art part slowed down early. In contrast to a low estimate of £70,000, the painting by Italian artist Eugene von Blaas of a woman striking a dramatic position with a rose only brought in £55,000 (£69,850 after fees). In addition, Mercury's final art purchase, a tender painting by James-Jacques-Joseph Tissot of his girlfriend Kathleen Newton, sold to an online bidder for £380,000 (£482,600 after fees), falling shy of its £400,000 low estimate. Oliver Barker, the auctioneer, kept a positive attitude throughout the process and added humor when a specialist lost contact with their bidder, playfully recommending a “Freddie refrain“ in the interim. When the momentum ultimately ramped up, the audience's enthusiastic responses matched this positive environment. When the bidder for Joan Miro's print “Le Matador“ (Dupin 510) asked whether she might inspect it closely from her seat, it led to laughing. A Showa period screen, one of many pieces demonstrating Mercury's interest in Japanese culture, was purchased by a collector on the auction floor for an astonishing £150,000 (£190,500), well exceeding its £12,000 high estimate, to thunderous ovation in the audience.
