Freddie Mercury Memorabilia Auction Draws Enthusiastic Crowd at Sotheby’s

An auction of items once owned by British rock star Freddie Mercury turned electric on its opening day, taking in a higher-than-expected $15.4 million.

The sale, by Sotheby’s in London, included $2.2 million for the Yamaha baby grand on which he composed “Bohemian Rhapsody” and other hits. The auction’s second and third instalments happen today.

Mercury, the Queen frontman who died in 1991, was an eclectic collector of artwork, furniture, and feline-inspired décor, who had aspired to lead the Victorian life, “surrounded by exquisite clutter.” Lifelong friend Mary Austin said there was nothing Mercury loved more than an auction.

The live, black-tie event drew 2,000 bidders from 61 countries. The first item, a graffiti-covered door on which fans had written tributes, prompted a spontaneous chant of “We Will Rock You,” and sold for $521,000.

Mercury’s autographed handwritten lyrics to “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which he almost called “Mongolian Rhapsody,” sold for $1.8 million, while his “We Are the Champions” lyrics sold for $401,000.

Mercury’s stage costumes were a huge draw, including $801,500 for the jewelled crown and scarlet cloak he wore in his “Magic” tour, and $256,500 for his rainbow-coloured satin appliqué jacket.

A serpent-shaped silver bangle Mercury wore in the “Bohemian Rhapsody” video sold for $882,000, setting a record for the highest price ever paid at auction for a rock star’s jewellery, Sotheby’s said.

The final three online auctions start Sept. 11 and run through Sept. 13.

Austin plans to donate an undisclosed portion of the proceeds to charity, including $344,000 from the sale of a Cartier onyx-and-diamond ring given to Mercury by Elton John to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

One of Sydney’s newest premium workplace destinations has unveiled a major art activation designed to transform the traditional office experience.

Contemporary art curator ART+ has partnered with Forum Double Bay to deliver a curated art program throughout the recently opened workspace, anchored by a large-scale mural from Australian artist Vicki Lee in the building’s central atrium.

The collection also includes works by internationally recognised artists Sebastian Magnani, Alan Walsh, Terry O’Neill, Tyler Shields and Alexander Calder, creating what the partners describe as an art-infused environment that integrates culture into the everyday workplace experience.

Rather than treating art as a decorative addition, the program has been designed to form part of the building’s identity, creating moments of inspiration and engagement throughout the day for members and visitors alike.

ART+ founder Jay Lyon said the collaboration reflected a shared vision between the curator and developer to create workspaces that offer more than desks and meeting rooms.

“This is a unique moment to shape the way people experience workspace: not just as a place to work, but as a place to be inspired. Fortis and Art+ share that vision,” he said.

The activation comes as workplace design continues to evolve, with premium operators increasingly incorporating hospitality, wellness and cultural experiences into office environments as businesses seek to attract employees back into physical workspaces.

At Forum Double Bay, the result is a workplace that combines flexible office accommodation with a carefully curated aesthetic experience, positioning the development as a destination rather than simply a place to work.

Artist Vicki Lee said public art had the power to create an emotional connection with a space.

“What I want is for people to walk in and feel something; a connection, a surprise, a moment of beauty. That’s the power of public art,” she said.

Forum Double Bay recently opened at 377 New South Head Road and has been delivered under the development management expertise of Fortis. The project follows the success of Forum in Melbourne’s Cremorne and is operated by The Commons.

According to the release, all works within the building have been leased as part of the curated program, highlighting Fortis’ commitment to creating boutique workplace environments that blend design, hospitality and culture.

The collaboration also reflects the growing role art is playing within commercial real estate, where developers are increasingly using curated collections and commissioned works to create distinctive environments that foster creativity, community and a stronger sense of place.

For ART+, which specialises in sourcing and commissioning contemporary artworks for luxury residential, commercial and hospitality projects, the Forum partnership represents another example of art being integrated into the fabric of a development from the outset rather than being added after completion.

Freddie Mercury Memorabilia Auction Draws Enthusiastic Crowd at Sotheby’s

A new collaboration between ART+ and Forum Double Bay is bringing museum-quality artworks and a large-scale mural into the workplace.