pg
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Post by pg on Sept 8, 2023 11:56:57 GMT
This current auctioneer is starting at 3k when she has a pre existing bid at 11k....I assume they all start alittle short of the latest bid to generate momentum, but she's taking an overlong run up!
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pg
Queen Mab
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Post by pg on Sept 8, 2023 13:17:44 GMT
Her replacement is a man on a mission!!
Edit...and he's really bad, keeps missing bidders
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pg
Queen Mab
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Post by pg on Sept 8, 2023 13:35:44 GMT
The 1985 bar bill is going for more than the 1985 bar bill was for....
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Post by katydyd5 on Sept 8, 2023 14:29:23 GMT
Her replacement is a man on a mission!! Edit...and he's really bad, keeps missing bidders He was awful. Way too fast, didn't give people a chance to think. And right, he kept missing bids. He'd close the bidding and have to re-open because he missed bids. I would have loved to have owned the Garden Lodge dining book recording special dinners. That went for 35000. Just a bit out of my range. |
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scandal
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Post by scandal on Sept 9, 2023 0:24:06 GMT
I'd like to mention that there are various otherwise unvailable photos scattered across the lots from the lot 59(A significant archive of c. 265 photographs), the now withdrawn lot 159 and other lots which consist of bulks of photos. Some examples are this and this. Unfortunately it looks like there is no good way to search for these photos. Using Sotheby's site search will give a lot of false positives and miss some of the lots. While it looks like Google has not yet indexed all the lots and will miss most of them, yet it will find some that Sotheby's would miss. |
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donovan
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Post by donovan on Sept 9, 2023 3:47:54 GMT
To be fair, I’m a music therapist. I work primarily with non-verbal kids, using music to try to help their communication & expression- ALWAYS leading from what they can & want to do! Nice! Sorry to veer off topic - my wife is a music therapist here in Canada. The only Queen song she uses with her clients is We Will Rock You. I keep pushing others, but obviously it's not about MY needs.  Nice to see others in the profession! |
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mkls
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Post by mkls on Sept 9, 2023 5:50:10 GMT
hope the Brits 92 award finally gets to its final place next to the Gallé lamp 😎
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Post by herebemonsters on Sept 9, 2023 8:23:43 GMT
I have a little bit of insight which may be interesting to some of you. My own thoughts had so far been that whilst it was fundamentally a shame that Freddie's items are being sold, we weren't aware of the vast majority of them and have now had a chance to see them in incredible detail. The furniture and artwork were finding homes around the world, just in the same kinds of places Freddie would have originally found them, no doubt, many miles away from his own home and with their own histories. Lyrics and the like are a different kettle of fish, though we can only assume the people buying them will cherish them, rather than them living in storage. My thoughts have changed somewhat over the last 24 hours.
I think it's only fair I don't directly name the people I'm referring to, though your best guess will almost certainly be correct. I have a friend who is close to members of Freddie's camp (as opposed to Mary's). They were invited to a private showing of the exhibition at Sotheby's in the evening and duly attended. One member of the party in particular found walking around the items very upsetting, though couldn't help but notice one of the vases for sale actually belonged to them! Admittedly, they had left it behind at one of Freddie's parties decades ago, but it had indeed been a gift from Freddie to them.
I asked if there were any rumblings from the Queen camp as to whether they were bidding on any of the items which were directly linked to the band (lyrics etc.). I am told the general feeling is that *quote*, "We'll be f**ked if we're giving her an extra penny!" More than a little apocryphal, perhaps, but at least coming from the outer circles of the team. This doesn't mean, of course, that this isn't the case, nor that, perhaps, Brian, Roger or even John have bought specific items that they felt had great meaning to them personally. I've no idea how Mary became so detached from the Queen camp. I've seen pictures from the evening of Mary arriving to celebrate - in all honesty, I found them very distasteful, more like a party to rejoice in the money being raised than a celebration of Freddie's life.
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BrƎИsꓘi
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Post by BrƎИsꓘi on Sept 9, 2023 8:44:12 GMT
I've no idea how Mary became so detached from the Queen camp. I've seen pictures from the evening of Mary arriving to celebrate - in all honesty, I found them very distasteful, more like a party to rejoice in the money being raised than a celebration of Freddie's life. i agree with most of your post, except for the above. a few observations: we'll never know will we - how Mary became so detached from the Queen camp? it could be any of a number of reasons: ♦ Queen detached Mary from the Queen Camp ♦ Mary detached Mary from the Queen camp ♦ Mary is a very private person and wished to live her private life privately - the same way Freddie did. This would explain why they remained so close all those years - two private people, drawn by their similarities. ♦ The hate from the "hangers on" who took far too long to leave her house after Freddie's death. ♦ The rumour, conjecture and downright nastiness paraded as "fact" by some across so many online communities. As for the picture, it's an incredible leap to say exactly what she is celebrating, it could be (again) any of a number: ♦ becoming so suddenly cash-rich ♦ being relieved of a 30+ year burden ♦ knowing that the comments directed at her regarding the sale, were finally nearing an end ♦ being overjoyed that her soulmate has such staggering worldwide appeal 30 years after his death...that his legend lives on ♦ being overjoyed that these items have found homes - lots of people now have a treasured item (or two) rather than it all being hoarded out of sight in GL |
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Post by herebemonsters on Sept 9, 2023 8:47:48 GMT
I've no idea how Mary became so detached from the Queen camp. I've seen pictures from the evening of Mary arriving to celebrate - in all honesty, I found them very distasteful, more like a party to rejoice in the money being raised than a celebration of Freddie's life. i agree with most of your post, except for the above. a few observations: we'll never know will we - how Mary became so detached from the Queen camp? it could be any of a number of reasons: ♦ Queen detached Mary from the Queen Camp ♦ Mary detached Mary from the Queen camp ♦ Mary is a very private person and wished to live her private life privately - the same way Freddie did. This would explain why they remained so close all those years - two private people, drawn by their similarities. ♦ The hate from the "hangers on" who took far to long to leave her house after Freddie's death. ♦ The rumour, conjecture and downright nastiness paraded as "fact" by some across so many online communities. As for the picture, it's an incredible leap to say exactly what she is celebrating, it could be (again) any of a number: ♦ becoming so suddenly cash-rich ♦ being relieved of a 30+ year burden ♦ knowing that the comments directed at her regarding the sale, were finally nearing an end ♦ being overjoyed that her soulmate has such staggering worldwide appeal 30 years after his death...that his legend lives on ♦ being overjoyed that these items have found homes - lots of people now have a treasured item (or two) rather than it all being hoarded out of sight in GL I can't argue with any of this - these were my own reactions to what I saw and heard. |
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BrƎИsꓘi
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Post by BrƎИsꓘi on Sept 9, 2023 9:00:59 GMT
I have a friend who is close to members of Freddie's camp (as opposed to Mary's). If it's okay with you, I'd like to query this one: ^ ♦ There is no "Freddie's Camp" "Freddie's Camp" serves to imply they were somehow, standing up for his wishes, or respecting him in some way that Mary wasn't. Clearly, she upheld his wishes - the GL group - down the years did the opposite. Tell-all exposes, theft of items, refusing to leave the house. None of that appears like any kind of genuine support. I personally think that Freddie would've hated the way these people beahved toward Mary. We'd be better referring to this group by a more fitting title. I won't be harsh enough to say "leechers" or suchlike. What about "Garden Lodge Group 1992"? ♦ There is no "Mary's Camp" From what I've seen down the decades, nobody anywhere associated with the band or friends of the band was a keen supporter of Mary. At best there were a few who were impartial, but certainly no publicly-known advocates of hers. If "Mary Camp" existed then it was likely no more than her family and closest friends. - Again all as private as she and Freddie were. |
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Post by herebemonsters on Sept 9, 2023 9:02:49 GMT
I have a friend who is close to members of Freddie's camp (as opposed to Mary's). If it's okay with you, I'd like to query this one: ^ ♦ There is no "Freddie's Camp" "Freddie's Camp" serves to imply they were somehow, standing up for his wishes, or respecting him in some way that Mary wasn't. Clearly, she upheld his wishes - the GL group - down the years did the opposite. Tell-all exposes, theft of items, refusing to leave the house. None of that appears like any kind of genuine support. I personally think that Freddie would've hated the way these people beahved toward Mary. We'd be better referring to this group by a more fitting title. I won't be harsh enough to say "leechers" or suchlike. What about "Garden Lodge Group 1992"? ♦ There is no "Mary's Camp" From what I've seen down the decades, nobody anywhere associated with the band or friends of the band was a keen supported of Mary. At best there were a few who were impartial, but certainly no publicly-known advocates of hers. If "Mary Camp" existed then it was likely no more than her family and closest friends. - Again all as private as she and Freddie were. Poor phrasing from me - they were long-time friends and associates of Freddie |
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billy
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Post by billy on Sept 9, 2023 12:33:09 GMT
Were any of the outfits or artifacts that are being auctioned off ever displayed in Stormtroopers in Stilettos or the Studio Experience in Montreux?
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Post by akirafish on Sept 9, 2023 12:39:28 GMT
The circulating pictures of Mary being very happy were taken from the private touring before the auction. Montscrrat Caballe's daughter attended and sang songs accompanied by Freddie's piano, and she's also taken pictures with Mary. For any one who's interested, her instagram account is montsita_mmc .
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Post by Doughnut on Sept 9, 2023 13:04:39 GMT
I have a friend who is close to members of Freddie's camp (as opposed to Mary's). If it's okay with you, I'd like to query this one: ^ ♦ There is no "Freddie's Camp" "Freddie's Camp" serves to imply they were somehow, standing up for his wishes, or respecting him in some way that Mary wasn't. Clearly, she upheld his wishes - the GL group - down the years did the opposite. Tell-all exposes, theft of items, refusing to leave the house. None of that appears like any kind of genuine support. I personally think that Freddie would've hated the way these people beahved toward Mary. We'd be better referring to this group by a more fitting title. I won't be harsh enough to say "leechers" or suchlike. What about "Garden Lodge Group 1992"? ♦ There is no "Mary's Camp" From what I've seen down the decades, nobody anywhere associated with the band or friends of the band was a keen supporter of Mary. At best there were a few who were impartial, but certainly no publicly-known advocates of hers. If "Mary Camp" existed then it was likely no more than her family and closest friends. - Again all as private as she and Freddie were. I actually feel Freddie would have hated the way it ended after his death as all of those GL residents were his family and looked after him round the clock until his death . I feel he would have been disappointed in mary but that’s my opinion as an outsider Regarding Mary or the GL guys and anyone else , we won’t really know who is being truthful as none of us as far as I know were there . All of the GL men and Mary I’d say are likely all part of ugliness following his death . I do try to look at all view points and that’s why I feel in some way they are all part of the breakdown at that time . As part of this site one of the values is to often provide proof or sources of information; to that end there is no real proof that there was theft and all the others things they are accused of. You clearly believe this to be the case but I don’t bit that’s our choice . Just because Mary was a close friend does not mean she would never have disappointed him by any certain behaviors. And yes I do believe there is a split between those that saw or see Mary through a different set of eyes . To me that’s pretty normal in life . Anyway enough said as I find the Mary and GL stuff quite tedious after so many years but anytime someone says even a tiny bit negative towards Mary you jump in to her aid like she is a saint |
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Lord Fickle
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Post by Lord Fickle on Sept 9, 2023 13:42:13 GMT
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Post by dragonkiller on Sept 9, 2023 18:20:52 GMT
Thanks for the link and it was a good read, plus he was right about the value of the items, not getting back what was paid for them. |
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Lord Fickle
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Post by Lord Fickle on Sept 9, 2023 18:41:07 GMT
Thanks for the link and it was a good read, plus he was right about the value of the items, not getting back what was paid for them. Makes you wonder how much of the stuff will end up on eBay in the weeks to come. |
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BrƎИsꓘi
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Post by BrƎИsꓘi on Sept 9, 2023 21:01:48 GMT
Thanks for the link and it was a good read, plus he was right about the value of the items, not getting back what was paid for them. Makes you wonder how much of the stuff will end up on eBay in the weeks to come. it's possible - but that could very much depend upon the value of the listing: When you sell an item worth more than £6,000 you may have to pay Capital Gains Tax. |
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Lord Fickle
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Post by Lord Fickle on Sept 9, 2023 21:16:19 GMT
Makes you wonder how much of the stuff will end up on eBay in the weeks to come. it's possible - but that could very much depend upon the value of the listing: When you sell an item worth more than £6,000 you may have to pay Capital Gains Tax. Oh really? Ouch! |
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BrƎИsꓘi
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Post by BrƎИsꓘi on Sept 9, 2023 21:28:30 GMT
proving purchase cost would save quite a bit.
but even in the instance that something bought for £20k then sells on ebay for £25k - represents a CGT bill of 10% or 20%
so that's a £500 - £1000 tax bill
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Lord Fickle
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Post by Lord Fickle on Sept 9, 2023 21:39:54 GMT
Mary's going to get quite a hefty bill then! It will be interesting to see what the final tally is.
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BrƎИsꓘi
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Post by BrƎИsꓘi on Sept 9, 2023 21:56:57 GMT
well if the whole auction takes around £50m after auctioneers fees,
and the (say) the original (Freddie) purchase value was around £5m
then that equates to 20% CGT on £45m (around £9m)
However, by donating (say) £2m to charity, then the tax is offset on that portion.
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Lord Fickle
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Post by Lord Fickle on Sept 9, 2023 22:04:46 GMT
A lot of people will be rubbing their hands.
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pg
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Post by pg on Sept 9, 2023 22:16:32 GMT
Hammer price to date is £21.2m
Current bids on the remainder is at £3.1m, which is about triple the original estimate for those items.
While a lot of presentation discs have now gone into 5 figures, plenty haven't, and there's signs that the last two items (moustache comb and the other door) might end up going silly too.
The next two days (Japan and a bunch of nick-nacks that Sotheby's wouldn't have touched otherwise) were originally estimates at £300k and £100k respectively, so aren't going to move the dial much, even with the giddy bidding. I'm sticking to somewhere in the low £30m range for the total, which would then be closer to £40m with the fees.
Still some unbid lots, for fans of Freddie's knitwear...
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Post by transitorydreams on Sept 9, 2023 22:42:13 GMT
To be fair, I’m a music therapist. I work primarily with non-verbal kids, using music to try to help their communication & expression- ALWAYS leading from what they can & want to do! Nice! Sorry to veer off topic - my wife is a music therapist here in Canada. The only Queen song she uses with her clients is We Will Rock You. I keep pushing others, but obviously it's not about MY needs. Nice to see others in the profession! Oh! I'm always so happy to hear of other music therapists! I'm in the North West of England & there definitely still aren't so many of us round here! So it's always nice to feel any sense of community!  To be honest, I am not sure I have ever used a Queen song in my work, haha! I mainly improvise music in my work, but I do use some songs, but they always come from what clients want or like, so they're most often either Beatles songs (all my work is in Liverpool, so I guess it makes some sense...?!), nursery rhymes or Disney songs! (And ABBA!  ) i personally feel I might feel too much pressure if i did happen to work with a Queen-music-lover ever! Because that's a personal thing for me so I'm not sure how I'd feel about Queen music in my work?! But I am curious now if it will ever happen! Most of my work is in special schools, most often with non-verbal children (unlikely to adore Queen?!), though I do do a bit of work with adults too. But yeah... I save transcribing my own version of You Take My Breath Away for my own personal time, teehee!! Though my main instrument is violin anyway, which isn't exactly conducive for most songs!!! (I do play piano and VERY basic guitar too.) But hello from me to your wife from a fellow music therapist... and I'm sorry for you & your argument (as I am also YES to Queen everywhere!)... but even AS a Queen fan since I was an actual child, I also don't use their music in my work, hahahah! Sorry about that!! But yay, to music therapists everywhere. I visited the west side of Canada as a teenager and it was one of my most favourite holidays, just to add on! |
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Post by transitorydreams on Sept 9, 2023 22:57:09 GMT
Thanks for the link and it was a good read, plus he was right about the value of the items, not getting back what was paid for them. Makes you wonder how much of the stuff will end up on eBay in the weeks to come. Fingers crossed folks!! I have been surprised by the prices things have gone for. Like Freddie's lacquer piano... surely that was worth MILLIONS??? In meaning, it definitely is to me!! And on the other hand, I noted a single silver cat, valued at £100-£200 which I think sold for near £10,000... whattttt?! It's the tiny-value items which are selling 5-10 grand instead of £500-£1000 as you might expect which are like WHAT!!?! I don't think folk will be able to resell them. BUT I hope that means they are being bought by moderately rich people who can afford such and are massive Queen fans at least? In a way, I like it. I confess, I looked at the scores for Barcelona and thought maybe they could be mine for under £400 initially. I think they sold around £9,500 and that is SO far out of my budget it is simply funny!!! There is no regret at least when NO ITEM AT ALL is selling for under THOUSANDS of pounds!! |
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BrƎИsꓘi
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Post by BrƎИsꓘi on Sept 10, 2023 6:37:42 GMT
BUT I hope that means they are being bought by moderately rich people who can afford such and are massive Queen fans at least? there's always the chance, yes. but the logical flip-side is that rich folk collect such things to show off to their other rich friends. It's not hard to imagine the dinner party talk between the host and guests. "well, to be blunt I've never really listened to their music. I just thought that Freddie Mercury's Serpent Bracelet would go nicely on display with my other trinkets: Oscar Wilde's Walking Stick, Salvador Dali's Moustache Comb, Marilyn Monroe's "Happy Birthday Mr President" Dress and Muhammad Ali's 1974 "Rumble In the Jungle" Gloves. I call it my I See Dead People's Stuff, Wing." |
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pg
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Post by pg on Sept 10, 2023 10:03:52 GMT
The auction just closed out, another "white glove" day. There is one more online auction tomorrow and it's the items from Freddie's home. It starts at 10:00 your time which means I have to get up before the sun to see the first few hours. I think you can get the link at Sotheby's official site. Day two turns out not to be a white glove day - lot 124 (£32k hammer price) is now back in as Lot 2023 (whihc was originally designated to some Mick Rock photos before they were withdrawn. Quite a lot of the lost first album collage appears in it as well. |
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Post by newvillefan on Sept 10, 2023 13:55:45 GMT
It’s very sad to think what Garden Lodge must look like inside now, basically stripped bare. Mary obviously has her reasons for doing what she’s done, but I would have much preferred the entire collection to have been sold as a job lot and used to create a museum similar to the one dedicated to ABBA in Stockholm, so that fans from all around the world could have come and enjoyed it. Mary would have got her asking price on everything and been able to settle her affairs or whatever, and the fans would have got a permanent memorial to Freddie. There was a comment earlier in this article that the set up and running costs of such a venture - including purchasing the entire lot - would have been prohibitively expensive and that it would have taken something like 350,000 people to visit it to break even and recoup the outlay. Well, 140,000 people came to Sotheby’s alone in a matter of weeks, so it would have taken no time at all for such a thing to become profitable. A museum would have run and run and been hugely popular with visitors from all around the world. Can’t say I agree one bit with what she has done, what a sad end to his legacy to have it scattered in every direction. Who knows what will become of a lot of the items.
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