John Lennon Art for Sale: Prints & Originals

John Lennon was born on 9 October 1940 in Liverpool, England. Raised primarily by his Aunt Mimi, Lennon's early life was marked by a passion for music and art, influenced by the rock and roll sounds of Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly.

In 1956, Lennon formed his first band, The Quarrymen, which would eventually evolve into The Beatles. His meeting with Paul McCartney at a church fête in 1957 laid the foundation for one of the most successful songwriting partnerships in British music history.

Lennon's early passion for drawing led him to study at the Liverpool Art Institute in 1957, where he honed a talent for line drawing. Even as The Beatles’ fame escalated, Lennon continued to produce art, often creating quick sketches that captured his experiences, from whimsical self-portraits to intimate glimpses of his life with Yoko Ono.

The Beatles' meteoric rise to fame in the early 1960s catapulted Lennon into the spotlight.

As The Beatles achieved unprecedented success, Lennon's songwriting evolved, exploring increasingly complex themes and experimental sounds. Albums like Rubber Soul (1965) and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967) showcased his willingness to push creative boundaries.

In 1966, Lennon's controversial remark that The Beatles were “more popular than Jesus” marked a turning point in his public persona. This incident, coupled with his meeting of Yoko Ono in 1967, began to shift his focus towards more avant-garde art forms and political activism.

Though Lennon is best remembered as a musician, his interest in visual art developed alongside his musical career. His drawings appeared in his own books, In His Own Write and A Spaniard In The Works, where he combined playful text with satirical illustrations.

Following The Beatles' dissolution in 1970, Lennon embarked on a successful solo career. His debut solo album, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band (1970), was a raw, emotionally charged work. The follow-up, Imagine (1971), produced his most enduring solo work, with the title track becoming an anthem for social justice.

Lennon's activism intensified during the 1970s, with his vocal opposition to the Vietnam War and support for various social causes. His song Give Peace A Chance (1969) became a staple of anti-war protests, while Power To The People (1971) reflected his increasing political engagement.

After a five-year hiatus from the music industry, during which he focused on raising his son Sean, Lennon returned with the album Double Fantasy in 1980. Tragically, on 8 December 1980, Lennon was fatally shot outside his New York City apartment, cutting short a life and career that had impacted millions worldwide.

Before his music career took off, Lennon was a student at Liverpool Art Institute, where he developed an interest in line drawing. His early artwork is characterised by a spontaneity and humour that would later influence his music. Known for his skilful caricatures, Lennon used art to express his observations on society and human nature, often with satirical undertones. This artistic foundation shaped his perspective and remained an important part of his creative identity even amidst his rise to fame with The Beatles.
In 1969, Lennon created the Bag One series, comprising 15 lithographs that documented his life with Yoko Ono. The series includes tender and provocative scenes, some of which depict the couple’s wedding and honeymoon. Though initially met with censorship due to its erotic imagery, the series has since been recognised as a significant contribution to Contemporary Art. These works, produced with a minimalist linework, reflect Lennon’s commitment to capturing the rawness of human intimacy and the unique bond he shared with Ono.
In his later years, Lennon’s visual art focused more on family life, spirituality, and peace. His drawings from the 1970s often depict scenes of harmony with his wife, Yoko, and son, Sean. Works like Peace On Earth and Feeling Good encapsulate Lennon’s optimistic worldview and his desire for a more just future. Released posthumously, these drawings offer a softer, reflective side of Lennon’s persona, allowing fans to connect with the principles that defined his life. The enduring popularity of these works speaks to Lennon's legacy as an advocate for peace and humanity.