Previously unseen Lennon artwork to appear on children’s merchandise

A range of children’s merchandise featuring artwork by Beatles legend John Lennon will go on sale in the UK and Europe next spring.

Lennon’s estate is signing 11 licences with major high street retailers to put Lennon’s Real Love artwork on children’s clothes, bedding, furniture and gift sets. The names of the retailers and the financial details have not been disclosed.

The deal has been made by the marketing arm of Lennon’s estate, Bag One Arts, to try to attract a new generation to Lennon’s non-musical work.

The Real Love collection is part of a series of drawings, some of which have never been seen outside the estate, created by Lennon for his son Sean. The animal figures were created by Lennon when he bowed out of the spotlight to raise Sean.

Lynne Clifford, of director Bag One Arts, says: “In launching this programme in the UK and Europe we are delighted to introduce a new generation to Lennon’s genius. We have been careful to restrict the number of licences in order to remain true to the integrity of the art.”

The artwork will also be featured in a free exhibition in Chelsea Harbour, London, in September.