Lot 79
  • 79

John Lennon

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
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Description

  • Bag One. New York, Cinnamon Press, 1970
  • lithographs,BFK rivespaper, vinyl
Folio (22 5/8 x 29 3/4 in.; 575 x 755 mm). Suite of 14 lithographs, lacking "Erotic 2," including title page and "Poet's Page (A to Z)", printed in black and in sepia (for the 6 erotic drawings) on BFK Rives paper, unbound as issued, numbered 121/300 and signed by John Lennon in pencil. With imprinted white vinyl zippered "Original White Portfolio Bag" designed by Ted Lapidus. 

Condition

Some browning to edges of prints, with scattered minor warping throughout. Occasional foxing, with small ink stains to the upper left corner of "Honeymoon," and a set of archival hinges to the upper verso margin of "Erotic #1". Title page and Poet's page not examined out of frame. Occasional scuffs to white vinyl portfolio bag, with small piece of tape residue to upper left corner of the front, and red pigment to the upper reserve.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

“[The Beatles] had some bad scenes earlier this year, so from now on we’re determined to be ourselves. open to whatever new influences come along. Perhaps I’ll get interested in drawing and painting again. You can’t stand still and I think I’ve been standing still for a bit too long.” (John Lennon, 1969)

John Lennon created this series of drawings to illustrate his wedding and honeymoon with Yoko Ono, and gave them to her as a present in 1969. The next year, a series of fifteen lithographs were created based on the original drawings and exhibited in New York and London. The seven erotic plates (six present here) were confiscated by Scotland Yard as pornography. Lennon was prosecuted under the Metropolitan Police Act 1839, which made it an offence to distribute indecent material in a public thoroughfare. A trial ensued, but the case was dismissed after three weeks. 

From the numbered edition of 300. 

Please note that all rights of reproduction reserved to the Estate of the late John Lennon.