Original Associated Press LaserPhoto – Freddie Mercury Funeral Floral Tribute – 27 November 1991 – Gary Glitter Tribute Message – Shields Gazette Archive

Description - Queen Folder A

Original Associated Press LaserPhoto (electronically transmitted newsroom press print) issued on 27 November 1991, documenting one of the floral tributes displayed at the funeral of Freddie Mercury, held at the West London Crematorium three days after his death.

The transmitted Associated Press caption printed above the image reads:

"A message from pop star Gary Glitter among the many floral tributes at rock singer Freddie Mercury's funeral in the West London Crematorium today (Wednesday)."

The photograph captures a wreath bearing the handwritten message:

"Freddie – Sadly Missed, Never Forgotten – Gary Glitter."

Issued by the Press Association/Associated Press on 27 November 1991, this is an original newsroom transmission produced for immediate newspaper publication as the funeral was taking place. The transmission reference and time stamp (27 November 1991 – 14:39) remain printed on the sheet, confirming its use as a contemporary working press image rather than a later reproduction.

Today, the image has acquired additional historical significance because it documents a tribute from Gary Glitter, whose subsequent criminal convictions have fundamentally altered perceptions of his public career. As such, the print has become an unusual and unrepeatable historical document recording a moment in popular music history exactly as it was reported in November 1991.

Produced using the LaserPhoto electronic transmission process, the print remains an authentic piece of late twentieth-century newspaper journalism.

From the photographic archive of the Shields Gazette, retained as part of the newspaper's reference archive.

Features include:

  • Original Associated Press LaserPhoto/newsroom transmission print
  • Issued 27 November 1991
  • Documents Freddie Mercury's funeral
  • Shows floral tribute bearing Gary Glitter's handwritten message
  • Original transmission caption and newsroom coding
  • Time stamp printed: 14:39
  • Contemporary electronically transmitted press photograph
  • From the Shields Gazette photographic archive
  • Not a modern reproduction

Condition

Very good condition. Minor edge wear and creasing consistent with newsroom handling and archive storage.

Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the description.

Agency: Associated Press / Press Association
Photographer: Adam Butler
Subject: Freddie Mercury funeral floral tribute
Issue Date: 27 November 1991
Process: LaserPhoto electronically transmitted press print
Photo Size: 22.2 × 27.9 cm
Provenance: Shields Gazette Photographic Archive

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