Works of art created using John Lennon’s microphone leads now available to purchase at Strawberry Field


Lennon Wired exhibition using wires from John Lennon's Imagine recording
24th June, 2022

A brand-new exhibition has arrived at one of Liverpool’s leading visitor attractions, Strawberry Field, with each work of art now available to purchase.

The Lennon Wired exhibition, which is made up of 11 individual pieces, has been created using segments from the original microphone leads that John Lennon used to record his 1971 song, Imagine, alongside Yoko Ono.

On display at Strawberry Field, the artwork mirrors the style of Lennon’s own sketches and handwriting, and each piece is embedded with artefacts from the musician’s life, continuing to emanate the message of peace and love he communicated through his songs.

The historic collection was created by artist James Wilkinson, who acquired the leads from the sale of recording equipment at Tittenhurst Park, the home of Lennon and Yoko Ono from 1969. Wilkinson previously served as the Official Artist to the V Festival and was commissioned by the Amy Winehouse Foundation to produce a portrait of the late singer in 2015.

Along with the physical artworks, each piece is also available as an NFT on SpaceSeven

James Wilkinson said: “I’ve always had an interest in portraiture, but I developed a desire to put more into my work. I’d always try and get my subjects to put a part of themselves in there, whether that be some writing or even a thumb print.

“If my subject was no longer alive, I’d find something that once belonged to them, something that was a part of their life, and incorporate that into the work. It’s something I’ve always done and this collection, containing artefacts from the life of John Lennon, sits as a tribute to the message of love and peace he carried through his life.”

Julia Baird, the sister of Lennon, added: “I’m overawed to know that these wires James has included in his work were part of the creative process that became the iconic song, Imagine. I am sure you will love it as much as I do.”

The Lennon Wired exhibition launched at Strawberry Field in late April and will be on display to the public until the end of October.

For each item sold, at least 10% of the purchase price will be donated to The Salvation Army (charity no. 214779) or The Salvation Army Social Work Trust (charity no. 215174).

If you would like to purchase an original artwork or fine art print, please contact info@strawberryfieldliverpool.com

“I truly believe this is a wonderful and important project.”

Peter Hooton, Chair of the Beatles Legacy Group