John Lennon's military tunic and an oil painting from the legend's student days are to be auctioned in a collection estimated to be worth $2 million.
Going under the hammer on July 28 at London's Hippodrome will be items charting the Beatle's life, from his time at college to the sofa he sat on for his final publicity photograph.
Included in the auction will be the original 'All You Need Is Love' manuscript, the tunic which is believed to have inspired the costumes on the 'Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' album cover, a never-before-heard recording of Lennon and Yoko Ono's children singing 'All You Need Is Love' and the singer's electric piano – a gift from Elton John - taken from his Dakota Building apartment.
“Every item speaks for itself in terms of rarity, importance and cultural significance', said Ted Owen, director of auction house Cooper Owen. “Without Lennon and The Beatles, I have no doubt that the music industry would look very different today.â€
He added: “Together, the items in this sale combine all of the best elements of the man himself – it is iconic, idealistic and irreverent. We're honoured to be passing them on – and the sale itself will celebrate Lennon and his legacy the way it was meant to be celebrated!â€
The key lots are:
Handwritten 'All You Need Is Love' manuscript from the 'Our World' broadcast in 1967 - The Beatles last live TV performance.
Bedspread from Lennon and Ono's Montreal ‘bed-in', 1969
Previously unheard recordings of Lennon and Ono's children singing 'All You Need Is Love'
A rare oil painting by Lennon created whilst a student in Liverpool
Table from the Weybridge home Lennon shared with his first wife Cynthia
Chair Lennon sat on for the cover of the The Beatles first US album 'Introducing The Beatles' and some of the band's first publicity photos
Vox organ played by Lennon at The Beatles' Shea Stadium gig, 1965
Clothing, including the military tunic, worn in Life magazine photo shoot
Original Tom Mix standee from the cover of 'Sgt Pepper' - one of only a handful remaining props from the shoot
Lennon's electric piano from his Dakota Building apartment – a gift from Elton John - and a sofa from Lennon and Ono's 'Special Room' in the Hit Factory recording studio used during the recording of his final albums 'Double Fantasy' and 'Milk & Honey'
