The childhood stamp album of the late Queen singer Freddie Mercury is to go on display at The Postal Museum in London this summer.
The 54-page album consists mostly of stamps from the British Commonwealth and showcases his upbringing in Zanzibar, Tanzania and his artistic passion.
It will be on display from July 13 to October 30 as part of the museum’s events to mark 50 years of Pride in the UK.
Mercury was born and spent his early life in Zanzibar where his father worked for the British Colonial Office.
The Postal Museum said that his father’s passion for stamp collecting was passed on to him and he collected between the ages of nine and 12.
After his family moved to the UK in the 1960s, Mercury studied graphic art and design at the Ealing Art College in London, with the museum noting his artistic talent can be seen in the creation of the stamp album pages.
Mercury died in November 1991 of bronchial pneumonia resulting from Aids at the age of just 45.
The album was purchased at auction in 1993, with the proceeds going to the AIDS charity Mercury Phoenix Trust.
Since then, the album has been displayed at stamp shows in the UK, Prague and Australia as well as touring exhibitions.
Curator Georgina Tomlinson said: “The Postal Museum is delighted to be able to show this rare item from Freddie Mercury’s childhood which we are exhibiting to celebrate 50 years of Pride in the UK.
“The album is a surprising insight into the early life of a man who is remembered across the world for his incredible musical prowess and theatrical stage presence.”
As well as seeing the collection in the museum, visitors will be able explore the entire album on The Postal Museum’s website.
