Freddie Mercury’s Majolica

Freddie Mercury of the rock group Queen was certainly a flamboyant personality. His music today is almost as popular today as it was during his lifetime. Upon his death in 1991, his estate was divided between his partner Jim Hutton, his close friends, his parents and sister and the woman he called his ex-fiancée, Mary Austin. To Austin he left his home Garden Lodge and its contents. There she has lived for the past 30+ years, surrounded by Freddie’s exquisite treasures. When she decided recently to sell Garden Lodge the contents were placed for auction at Sothby’s. 

Freddie Mercury's Garden Lodge

His taste in music, costumes and decor exhibited his eclectic flamboyance. He was famously quoted as having said of his home:

“I like to be surrounded by splendid things. I want to lead the Victorian life, surrounded by exquisite clutter.”

In addition to a large collection of Asian antiques, paintings, costumes and nineteenth century furniture was his collection of glass, silver and pottery. Of course there were a few majolica pieces among the pottery. They were not what you’d expect from a rock star. In fact his taste in majolica was rather restrained, leaning towards simple classical forms.

The pieces placed for auction are all lovely pieces. Let’s take a look.

Minton majolica snake handled jardiniere. 

Below, a photo of the jardiniere in use in Garden Lodge.

Photo of Garden Lodge showing the placement of the Minton jardiniere

Minton maajolica urn

Copeland majolica pedestal seen below in Garden Lodge 

supporting the Minton urn above

Photo of Garden Lodge showing the placement of the 

Minton urn and Copeland pedestal

Minton majolica centerpiece

The prices these pieces brought at auction no doubt were influenced by the celebrity factor as they brought several times what comparable pieces would otherwise sell for, but then again, who wouldn't want a little piece of Freddie Mercury in their collection?

Freddie Mercury with Mary Austin