Bidding for this lot will end on Thursday, October 23rd. The auction will begin at 3:00PM BST (7:00AM PDT) and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Friday, October 24th.
An original artwork titled "Shroud of Tourin", created by John Lennon. The original Shroud of Turin was first exhibited in 1354, and is a linen cloth that appears to depict the front and back of a crucified man. Many believe this to be Jesus Christ, as marks on the linen are said to correspond with his crucifixion wounds. It has been claimed that the shroud is Christ's burial garment, and as such it is considered a significant religious artefact. But its authenticity has been debated for many years, with extensive research undertaken on the relic.
Jesus also featured in Lennon's most infamous interview. In March 1966, Lennon told Evening Standard reporter Maureen Cleave, "Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn't argue about that; I'm right and I'll be proved right. We're more popular than Jesus now; I don't know which will go first - rock 'n' roll or Christianity". Although this comment went uncriticised when the piece was initially published in the UK, it caused an uproar when republished in the US, leading to accusations of blasphemy. Beatles records were publicly burnt, radio stations refused to play their songs, and the band received death threats. Not long after this ordeal, The Beatles stopped touring and purely focused on studio projects.
In September 1966, Lennon travelled to Almería, Spain, to star in Richard Lester's black comedy How I Won the War. While on set, Lennon found a scrap of fabric and drew a parody of the Shroud of Turin in pencil. He would drape the cloth over himself to protect himself from the Spanish sun. After filming wrapped, it is believed he gifted the drawing to his co-star Ron Lacey, with whom he'd become friends. The story of this artwork was covered in a comprehensive online article written in August 2016 by El País.
The unique artwork is presented on a scrap of military canvas fabric titled "Shroud of Tourin" - the pun being reference to Lennon's dislike of touring. It comprises an assortment of doodles, including a self-portrait depicting Lennon wearing two pairs of glasses with a Batman symbol on his chest and his fists held in front of him with "Love" and "Hate" on his knuckles. On the left of the composition is a cross with a crown placed above it on a hill labelled "Elvis". Underneath are several handwritten words: "Spectacles, Wife, Child, Love and Marijhuana [sic]". On the right is a radio with the words "Tune In If You Want", and "Holy Batman I Knew This Would Happen" is written in large lettering at the bottom of the artwork. Lennon has also autographed the piece (which has faded) to the right of his portrait and has written a year underneath, which reads "196". The last number of the year is illegible. There are also additional doodles on the back of the canvas. The fabric exhibits general signs of wear, including minor holes, marks and fraying. Some of the drawings and text have faded, making them illegible. Dimensions: 68 cm x 45 cm (26.75" x 17.75")
The autographs and handwriting in this lot have been professionally authenticated by expert Garry King; see notice in the Buyer's Guide.
Additional Provenance:
Lot 44, Cooper Owen Music, Movie and Historical Legends Auction, 15 December 2014
Estimate: £25,000 - 50,000 M ARR
View all lots from JOHN LENNON in DAY 1