John Lennon the artist back home in his own write

May 21 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

WHAT is thought to be the largest collection of art by John Lennon ever to be shown in the UK comes to Liverpool this week.

The Complete Collection comes to the atrium of the Daily Post and Echo building on Friday and will be on display until June 2 – the first time it has been seen in its entirety in the city.

The free exhibition in Old Hall Street will feature some art from Lennon’s own private collection never seen before in public.

Jonathan Poole, the exhibition organiser, said: “It is very exciting to have the complete collection of Lennon’s work, and fitting that it should be showcased in his home city.

“I began my career exhibiting works by John Lennon. This exhibition gives people the chance to see a different side of John in terms of his artistry and also his unique personality.”

Art was a huge part of Lennon’s life and he attended the Liverpool School of Art from 1957 to 1960, before becoming part of one of the most famous bands of all time.

The collection features works by Lennon dating from 1968 until his death in 1980, and features 15 original drawings and three exclusive new images.

The exhibition has been organised in conjunction with Yoko Ono’s company, Bag One.

Around 140 printed works by the ex-Beatle are exhibited, by special arrangement with his widow.

“John Lennon was one of the most imaginative thinkers of our time,” Mr Poole said. “Even before he was a Beatle he was a poet, musician and artist. Art was John’s first love.”

Mr Poole’s Compton Cassey gallery in Cheltenham represents the art estates of Lennon, Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood and Miles Davis among others.

Many of the works on display can be seen in Lennon’s book Real Love, created in his apartment in the Dakota Buildings, New York, when his son Sean was a baby.

Some of the prints are signed by the former Beatle, but the majority are signed by Yoko Ono.

Work for sale will be priced between £400 and £4,700.

The temporary gallery in Old Hall Street will be open between 12pm and 8pm every day.

vickyanderson