Info from Gotta Have Rock and Roll:
John Lennon Incredible "Beatles for Sale" Original Signed Album Cover Artwork Drawing.
The black and white Starpics portrait signed on the reverse in blue ballpoint and with four sketched designs by John Lennon for the album's front cover and record label.
Dimensions: 6 in x 7¾in.
Provenance: From the Collection of Betty Littlewood.
Littlewood went to see the Beatles at the Odeon Cinema, Leeds, on the 22nd of October 1964. With many other fans, she handed in a photograph at the cinema to be signed by the Beatles and was quite surprised to see what was on the back of hers upon its return!
As well as undertaking a month-long UK tour, the Beatles were also busily recording their forthcoming album at this time. This was released, entitled "Beatles For Sale", in the UK on 4th December, just over a month after this Leeds appearance. From evidence of the photograph, it would seem that they spent some time in the dressing room discussing the proposed design for the album cover. It is likely that they had various photographs by Bob Freeman available for consideration and Lennon, having picked up whatever piece of paper was nearest to hand, sketched out various ideas on the back of this photograph. Still mindful of his duty to the fans, he then signed it and gave it back to its owner. It is possible then that, apart from those immediately involved with the production of the album, 'Betty' was the first person to know the album's title.
This incredible item demonstrates Lennon’s artwork for the album Beatles for Sale, signed by Lennon in blue ballpoint pen.
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