More details have been released about the world premier of QUEEN - The Unseen Archive Exhibition, which will be showcased in Ballarat next year. It will form the Art Gallery of Ballarat's special Autumn 2010 exhibition, on show from February 20th until April 11th.

Ballarat City Council announced in July it had secured the Queen collection as its major paying exhibition for next year.

It will be the only Australian venue to stage the exhibition, in association with Proud Galleries London.

The collection will feature both iconic and unseen images of the group taken by close friend Peter Hince, providing a personal insight into one of the world's greatest rock bands.

Hince was the head of Queen's road crew for 20 years during the band's career.

He had full-time access to all areas of Queen's life.

His work exposes the band's personal face and its public facade, providing a unique photographic profile.

The exhibition will also feature rare items of personal and tour memorabilia, including FREDDIE MERCURY's stage clothing, hand-written lyrics and signed items, plus original posters, passes, tickets and other unique pieces.

It is the first time anywhere in the world the exhibition has been showcased with the memorabilia, sourced from collectors.

This year's JOHN LENNON Imagine! exhibition at the gallery attracted unprecedented crowds, and generated an estimated almost $2 million for the city.

Gallery co-curator Ron Egeberg said the gallery anticipated equally strong crowds for Queen - The Unseen Archive, with interest already building locally and overseas.

"This remarkable exhibition is a fascinating retrospective of singer Freddie Mercury, guitarist Brian May, bassist John Deacon and drummer Roger Taylor, whose innovative blend of music remains timeless," he said.

For more information or ticket sales, visit www.balgal.com.

(thanks: QueenZone.com)