Lennon's book for sale
2006-03-27 16:02
London - A collection of John Lennon memorabilia, including the former Beatle's illustrated schoolbook, is to go under the hammer in April, the auctioneers announced on Monday.
Lennon's exercise book contains some of his thoughts, drawings and poems made as a 12-year-old schoolboy.
Entitled "My Anthology", the childhood scribblings give an insight into the future superstar's mind.
The 10 illustrated pages in the book contain a drawing of a verse from Lewis Carroll's "The Walrus and the Carpenter", the first known link to his Beatles tune "I Am The Walrus".
The book, bound in red paper, is expected to fetch £100 000 (€145 000, $175 000).
The item is the centrepiece lot in auctionhouse Cooper Owen's April 19 sale at Madame Tussauds waxwork museum in London.
Alongside Lennon's schoolbook is the letter that he, George Harrison and Ringo Starr sent to Paul McCartney which effectively wound up their legendary group The Beatles.
The sale also includes the musician's engraved silver christening bracelet - the earliest known piece of Lennon memorabilia - and a log of his trip to Bermuda onboard the "Megan Jaye" in 1980.
Cooper Owen creative director Louise B Cooper said of Lennon: "He will always be remembered as one of the greatest singers and songwriters of all time.
"But these sketches and poems paint a new picture of the creativity and passion that was rushing through his veins at such a young age."
Lennon's English teacher and housemaster Lancelot Burrows, who encouraged his interest in poetry and art, kept the exercise book dated 1952 for the benefit of future generations of pupils at the Quarry Bank School in Liverpool, northwest England.
Lennon's writing desk and chair from his Aunt Mimi's house in Poole on the southern English coast is also up for auction.
A medallion worn by legendary US singer Elvis Presley in 1953 during the filming of "Jailhouse Rock" will also go on sale.