A collection drawings and manuscripts by John Lennon come up at Sotheby’s New York on June 4. They were produced by Lennon for his books: In His Own Write (1964) and A Spaniard in the Works (1965). The largest private collection of John Lennon’s work ever to come to market includes 89 lots ranging in estimate from $500 to $70,000. The sale coincides with two important landmarks for Lennon: the 50th anniversary of the publication of In His Own Write; and the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ landmark first appearance in America on the Ed Sullivan show, which launched them into the pop stratosphere.
They are from the collection of publisher Tom Maschler. As Literary Director of Jonathan Cape in the 1960’s he was responsible for bringing both In His Own Write and A Spaniard in the Works to fruition. This outstanding collection of works from Lennon’s own hand, often complete with deletions and amendments, represents the raw material from which Tom Maschler honed the two critically-acclaimed Lennon books. Given to Maschler by the artist the material has been treasured by Lennon’s publisher for the last 50 years.
LENNON, JOHN
Untitled illustration of a boy with six birds ($12,000-15,000) © All rights of reproduction reserved to the Estate of the late John Lennon.
LENNON, JOHN
Untitled illustration of a four-eyed guitar player ($15,000-25,000). © All rights of reproduction reserved to the Estate of the late John Lennon.
LENNON, JOHN
Untitled illustration of a vicar gazing at a naked couple ($10,000-15,000). © All rights of reproduction reserved to the Estate of the late John Lennon.