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The Julian Lennon Collection

In the first half of 2016, W&H were honoured to be asked to complete an insurance valuation for Julian Lennon on his fascinating collection of Beatles Memorabilia. This, one of the most significant Beatles collections in the world, is particularly personal to Julian, every piece within it, has a special meaning for him. As Julian himself wrote in the introduction to the book of his collection, it ‘…represents my life, my history, my heritage…’ [Southall, Brian with Lennon, Julian Beatles Memorabilia The Julian Lennon Collection, London: Carlton Book, 2010].

Julian has a fine and varied collection of several hundred pieces. From Beatles and Lennon autographs, letters, lyrics and drawings to awards including a substantial collection of white mattes and a Grammy; animation art from the 1968 film The Yellow Submarine; guitars, scarce merchandise, concert and promotional material; Lennon clothing and personal items, rare Beatles records, films and photographs.

Julian Lennon has exhibited his remarkable collection recently to benefit The White Feather Foundation, the charity he set up in 2007 to promote awareness of humanitarian and environmental issues.  His collection is also beautifully show-cased in the book:  Southall, Brian with Lennon, Julian Beatles Memorabilia The Julian Lennon Collection, London: Carlton Book, 2010.

The following are a few of our favourites from Julian’s fantastic collection. All the illustrations are courtesy of Beatles Memorabilia The Julian Lennon Collection.

A Grammy Award for A Hard Day’s Night, 1964, This National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences Award was presented to The Beatles for Best Performance by a Vocal Group in 1964

A rare Four-Speed Phonograph Model 1000 Beatles record player, U.S., 1964, estimated to be one of only 5000 manufactured

A black silk velvet cape with black satin lining, unlabelled – worn by John Lennon in the film Help! 1964-65

One page of a two-page fragment of an autograph letter from Lennon in black ink, signed, [n.d. but 23 August 1965] to Cynthia telling her of his feelings for Julian, this heartfelt and poignantly honest letter, written during the Beatles’ second tour of the U.S., gives a unique insight into Lennon’s feelings about fatherhood and touring and how much John misses his son whilst he’s away

An ‘Afghan’ jacket of tan suede with natural lambswool lining, embroidered in pink silk with a foliate design — worn by John Lennon during the making of A Magical Mystery Tour, September 1967, and for the press launch of the Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album, 19 May 1967

A Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, RIAA white matte gold album award, Presented to The Beatles

Recording notes for Hey Jude in Paul McCartney’s hand in black felt pen, the nineteen lines on one page divided by hand-drawn lines into five sections, four of which are numbered, the page titled at the top JUDE and additionally annotated by McCartney top right with three doodles

Two Jai Guru Dev brass bangles and a brown leather Ankh motif pendant on brown leather thong – worn by John Lennon in the late 1960s

A 1973 Gibson Les Paul Jnr guitar in black finish, no serial number – given to Julian by John for Christmas, 1973, with a plaque on the front of the headstock engraved To Julian from Daddy Christmas 1973, the guitar with faceted acrylic imitation amethyst applied to lower body and a mirrored plaque; in black contour case

An Apple/EMI promotional poster for the album Mind Games, 1973 – 30 x 20 in

W&H are grateful to Julian Lennon and John Cousins & Patrick Cousins for their kind permission to use the information provided.

For further information on Julian Lennon’s The White Feather Foundation go to: www.whitefeatherfoundation.com

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