Lennon, John

6 x 8 9/10 in.; 154 x 225 mm, ink drawing in black on single sheet (8 x 10 in.; 204 x 254 mm), unsigned, laid down to white card, some browning, some significant surface abrasion

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

An untitled Lennon cartoon. The sheet has been laid down to white card and the placard around the perfectly sighted trumpet-player has been drawn on the backing (with a window cut in the sheet). Published on pp.58-59 of A Spaniard in the Works.

Philip Norman notes that ...'in contrast with his kind heart and impulsive generosity, [Lennon] could show a lack of sensitivity and compassion that even roistering Liverpool boys sometimes felt to be going too far. This was not an era of verbal tact toward the physically and mentally handicapped, but John seemed to find all forms of affliction hilarious. His drawings teemed with hideously misshapen, obese or skeletal figures, endowed with too few or too many limbs and covered with warts or sores. A blind person tapping along with a white stick, or a child-on-crutches collection box would reduce him to giggles - a device with which many people try to disguise fear or repugnance.' (Norman,  p. 53)