To celebrate what would have been John Lennon’s 85th birthday, auction house Propstore is putting up for sale a rare collection of artifacts linked to the legendary British musician. According to Robb Report, the Musical Memorabilia Auction will be held in London later this month and is expected to attract collectors from all over the world. The auction aims to raise around $4 million, featuring more than 500 historical items from the world of music.
The highlight of the event is a pair of John Lennon’s iconic Windsor glasses — a piece that became a symbol of the ex-Beatle’s aesthetic and of 1970s counterculture. According to Robb Report, Lennon wore these prescription glasses during the period known as the “Lost Weekend,” between 1973 and 1974, when he was temporarily separated from Yoko Ono and romantically involved with May Pang.
Propstore reports that the musician was last seen wearing the glasses on March 12, 1974, during an incident at the Troubadour Club in Los Angeles, when John Lennon and singer Harry Nilsson, visibly intoxicated, disrupted a performance by the Smothers Brothers. After the commotion, the glasses went missing — and now, half a century later, they have resurfaced.
The glasses, also immortalized on the cover of the single “Mind Games,” became an essential part of John Lennon’s visual identity and continue to inspire contemporary designs for round frames. “These glasses are not only instantly recognizable but also deeply personal, representing a pivotal moment in John Lennon’s life and career,” said Mark Hochman, Propstore’s music memorabilia specialist, in an interview with Robb Report.
Another item expected to draw attention is the artwork “Shroud of Tourin,” created by John Lennon in 1966 during the filming of Richard Lester’s “How I Won the War.” The drawing, made on a military canvas used as a shade on set, is a witty parody of the Shroud of Turin and includes references to the artist himself, Batman, Elvis Presley, and even marijuana. The self-portrait is expected to fetch between $33,000 and $66,000 at auction.
Other lots include original tapes of “Give Peace a Chance” and “Remember Love,” a clapperboard from the “I’m Losing You” music video, and a poster from the 1969 Toronto Rock and Roll Revival concert. As Robb Report notes, John Lennon’s personal artifacts often fetch record-breaking prices — such as his Patek Philippe watch and the “Help!” guitar, both sold in previous auctions for millions.
The main auction will take place on October 23 at the Cumberland Hotel in London. The following day, Propstore will hold a second event, this time dedicated to Oasis, featuring more than 170 items from the iconic Britpop band.
Source: Robb Report. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
