Lennon's art school goes with Yoko Ono's backing

Oct 26 2006 by Kate Mansey, Liverpool Daily Post

YOKO Ono has backed a controversial development that involved selling off John Lennon’s old art school to fund a new design academy in Liverpool

The widow of the legendary Beatle was guest of honour at the launch of a fundraising campaign for Liverpool John Moores University’s new art and design centre.

University officials caused a stir when they sold off four buildings, including Lennon’s former art school, in order to help pay for the new £23.5m, academy.

After being bought by Maghull Developments, the building in Hope Street where the musician studied is now earmarked for conversion into 28 flats.

The sale of the art school, plus three other university buildings was carried out to raise money for the new development next to the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral.

It was also aided by a £2.5m grant from European Objective One funding. But they need another £5m to complete the building which is due to open to students in September 2008.

In order to do that the university is seeking sponsorship or donations from corporate friends of the university.

Meeting in New York, JMU Vice Chancellor Professor Michael Brown joined JMU Chancellor Emeritus Cherie Booth for a private lunch where Yoko Ono was the guest of honour.

The lunch was held for 25 Manhattan art executives as the university worked to build contacts overseas.