An original catalogue and invitation relating to the Sotheby's sale of Vincent Van Gogh's 'Irises' painting. The catalogue was for the sale in New York on the 11th November 1987 and the invitation is for a reception and private viewing at New Bond Street, London on the 19th October 1987. Both items were previously owned by Freddie Mercury.

In the book 'Freddie Mercury: A World Of His Own' which was sold by Sotheby's to accompany their Freddie Mercury auction in September 2023, they note that 'Freddie did not make purchases haphazardly. The collections within Garden Lodge were meticulously assembled... Freddie's collecting was shaped by private visits to auction house exhibitions and an obsession with the auction catalogues that Peter (Peter Freestone, Freddie's assistant) would source for him. "I would always check what auctions were coming up and the things that would interest him. I would then get the catalogue so he could have a look - carpets, furniture, crystal, artworks, everything. He'd mark up the lots he wanted and send me to bid. On the morning of the auction, I would take his tea up at nine o'clock and his cheque book with me, for him to sign, so I could go later on and bid for him."

The catalogue measures 21.8cm x 27.8cm (8.6 inches x 10.9 inches). There is some creasing and very small tears to the dust jacket. The condition is very good. The invitation measures 19cm x 14cm (7.5 inches x 5.5 inches). There is a crease towards the bottom edge. The condition is very good minus.

Provenance: previously sold as part of lot 666 from the Freddie Mercury: A World Of His Own, At Home sale held at Sotheby's, New Bond Street, London on the 8th September. This item is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity on Tracks Ltd. letterhead stating the above.