Freddie Mercury was born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar in 1946. As a teenager, he emigrated with his family to London, where he would meet the future band members of Queen in the late 1960s. Over the 20 years that followed, they became one of the most successful rock bands in history. While, on stage, Freddie became known for his extraordinary showmanship and vocal range, off stage, he was responsible for drafting the lyrics to many of Queen’s greatest hits, including for "Bohemian Rhapsody," the third biggest-selling British single of all time. Today, more than fifty years after they were formed, Queen continues to be one of the most recognized bands in the world and Freddie Mercury is widely acknowledged as one of the 20th century’s greatest-ever lyricists and performers.

When Mary Austin first met Freddie Mercury in 1970, it marked the beginning of an enduring friendship that would shape the rest of each of their lives. She, aged 19, worked at the Biba store in Kensington, while he, aged 24, ran a stall selling his artworks in Kensington Market. They would become engaged four years later, on Christmas Day 1973, the same year that Queen released their debut album. After Mary and Freddie’s relationship came to an end in the mid-1970s they would remain a central presence in each others’ worlds for the next two decades. When Freddie passed away in 1991, he left his home, Garden Lodge, and his possessions to Mary, who has treasured and celebrated the memory of her beloved friend ever since.