Lennon, John

9 3/10 x 7 4/5 in.; 237 x 198 mm, ink drawing in black with editorial notes added in blue ink on single leaf (10 x 8 in.; 254 x 203 mm, unwatermarked), unsigned, small nick to top edge, slight creasing, minor spotting

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The first illustration from In His Own Write, published on page 3, and one that does not appear to accompany any text. One bird, balanced on the boy's head, appears to be contained in a bottle whilst others are perched on each hand. The boy seems to have only three fingers and a thumb on his left hand. The editorial comments note the instruction to the printer to "REVERSE Left to Right" and also provide the published page number.

This drawing was used as the artwork for the 7" single and CD single release of 'Free as a Bird'. The song, composed and recorded by John Lennon in 1977, was remixed with contributions from the other Beatles in 1995. First released on the Anthology 1 album, it was released as a single on 4 December 1995. It would reach number two in the UK singles chart and number 6 in the Billboard Hot 100 chart.