An original catalogue for the Sotheby's Ballet and Theatre Material sale held on the 6th June 1979. It was previously owned by Freddie Mercury who has handwritten the words 'Impressionist Dept' on the last page. Freddie famously wore theatrical and flamboyant costumes on stage and possibly took inspiration for his carefully curated looks from catalogues such as this.

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 18cm x 24.5cm (7 inches x 9.6 inches). 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.