The largest collection of John Lennon’s artworks ever appeared on the market will go under the hammer by Sotheby’s in New York on June 4. All Beatles fan will have a chance to bid on Lennon’s Lennon drawings, poems and prose. “Including 89 lots ranging from $500 to $70,000, this is the largest private collection of John Lennon’s work ever to come to market,” the auctioneer said in a statement. The collection includes the former Beatles singer’s autograph drawings and manuscripts of his critically acclaimed books, In His Own Write (1964) and A Spaniard in the Works (1965). Also offered on sale is a satirical guide to Lennon’s hometown, Liverpool valued at $12,000 to $15,000, and the original manuscript of his nonsense poem “The Fat Budgie” estimated to be worth up to $35,000.
Lennon gave his drawings and manuscript to publisher Tom Maschler, who has been keeping the rare collection for the last 50 years.
“My relationship with John Lennon was different to those I had with all the other authors I worked with over my years as a publisher,” Maschler recalled.
“Having seen a superb sketch of his that a mutual acquaintance showed me, I met with John to suggest that he should produce John Lennon In His Own Write. I then had to inspire in him the confidence to write and produce the drawings.”
Sotheby’s said the collection will be on exhibit prior to sale at its showrooms in London from Friday through March 25 and New York from May 28 to the day before the auction.
