PRESS RELEASE 03.09.2015
Drawing by John Lennon
A uniquely rare original drawing by John Lennon has found its way to Bruun Rasmussen's international
auction in Copenhagen.
"The drawing was made by John Lennon and Yoko Ono's during their famous "Bed In" at the Queen
Elizabeth Hotel’s suite 1742 in Montreal, Canada, in June 1969, where the famous couple completed a
week-long happening for the world press. During the happening Lennon and Ono decorated the walls of
the hotel room with drawings and slogans of peace. It is one of these drawings, which we now have up for
auction," says modern art specialist Niels Raben from Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneers.
Along with Lennon's drawing is an originally signed and dated b/w photograph by the photographer Ivor
Sharp, which shows John Lennon and Yoko Ono during their famous "Bed-In". In the background of the
photograph a drawing can be seen, which is unmistakably similar to the drawing up for auction. It can
also be seen in several sequences in the film "BED PEACE starring John Lennon & Yoko Ono", which
depicts the happening in Montreal.
During the famous happening the couple recorded the song "Give Peace a Chance," which became a
worldwide hit and a symbol of the peace movement throughout the 1970s. In both the drawing up for
auction and in the song the concept of "Bagism" is referenced, which was part of the couple's showdown
with prejudice and stereotypical attitudes between people.
International auction
Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneers, Bredgade 33, Copenhagen, Denmark
Preview: 10-14 September
Auction: 22 September
Press photo
John Lennon, Yoko Ono: "Bagism". Sign. John Lennon 69; Yoko Ono. Felt pen on paper. Visible size 55 x
70. Sheet size 56 x 71. Estimate: DKK 150,000 / € 20,000. (photo: © Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneers)
Best regards
Eva Helsted
Press Manager, MA.
Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneers
Sundkrogsgade 30 · DK-2150 Nordhavn
Tel: +45 8818 1072
http://www.bruun-rasmussen.dk