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Paintings, letters … and a John Lennon novel? Archive of ‘fifth Beatle’ Stuart Sutcliffe up for sale

Artworks and Beatles ephemera including an incomplete novel about Lennon among work by visual artist and bass player who died aged 21

“History is my father and tomorrow is my son,” he wrote wistfully before leaving, and as the band became a sensation in the city, told his sister: “I’ve become very popular both with girls and homosexuals, who tell me I’m the sweetest, most beautiful boy.” That artwork, along with items such as a Sutcliffe-penned letter with the Quarrymen’s name crossed out and replaced with “Beatals”, is now up for sale, with his estate heralding “an exceptional collectors opportunity: a unique acquisition of the complete art and artefact collection of Stuart Sutcliffe”. Within these treasures lie poignant letters exchanged between Sutcliffe, Lennon, and their inner circle, unveiling the depth of their relationships and the fervent creativity igniting their iconic artistic journey.

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