Rare original unsigned ink sketch by Lennon on an off-white 10 x 7 sheet, showing a long line of about twenty different characters, including a naked woman (presumably Cynthia Lennon), a kangaroo, several sheep, a small bespectacled man, a man riding an animal, an elephant, and several other little people and animals. In fine condition, with light show-through from two small old tape stains on the back. Previously sold by Christie's, 1991. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from REAL.
The sketch originates from the collection of Tom Maschler, Lennon's publisher at Jonathan Cape, and the man responsible for getting Lennon in print after being shown a sample of his verses and simple line drawings. This sketch may have been intended to be included in either In His Own Write or A Spaniard in the Works, both filled with Lennon illustrations. A crisply penned example of Lennon's light-hearted artistic talent, ranging from the detailed and lifelike to the humorous and abstract—a supremely desirable piece.
