Freddie Mercury costumes to go on display at V&A to mark his 80th birthday

A collection of Freddie Mercury’s costumes will go on display at the V&A to mark what would have been his 80th birthday. The free temporary trail, Freddie Mercury Splendid Things, will include eight of his looks and is inspired by a quote he gave in 1978, in which he said: “I like to be surrounded by splendid things. I want to lead a Victorian life surrounded by exquisite clutter.” The trail, developed with his former fiancee and close friend Mary Austin , celebrates the Queen frontman’s career through costumes and accessories that were worn in some of his music videos and performances. Austin has loaned seven of the looks to the V&A for the…