George Harrison’s childhood home highlight in upcoming auction
Omega Auctions Beatles auctions are always interesting. This time around it features a treasure trove of unheard John & Yoko interviews, a copy of the “Beatles For Sale” master tape as sent to Australia for their pressing of the album, and George Harrison’s childhood home in Speke, Liverpool – where he lived with his family from the age of six until that breakthrough Beatles year, 1962. Here are some of the lots and descriptions:
THE JOHN LENNON LOST INTERVIEWS FROM 1969/70 CONDUCTED BY KEN ZEILIG
Incredible archive of detailed interviews lasting 91 minutes conducted by Ken Zeilig with John Lennon and Yoko Ono on three separate occasions during 1969 and early 1970. The subjects discussed are fascinating and broad ranging to include the Montreal Bed-In, their new album Abbey Road, recording methods including sound effects, the future of The Beatles, the Apple record label, the recording of ‘The Wedding Album’, his opinion on critics, the ‘War is Over’ peace movement, their involvement with Hanratty murder case, the tour of Australia, recording as a solo artist, musical influences, his favourite Beatles songs, The Beatles impact on youth movement, Christmas memories, Beatles fans and crowds at performances, giving back his MBE, his relationship with Yoko, their plans to have children and much more.
Ken was a Canadian freelance journalist throughout the 1960s-1980s who conducted interviews with many famous artists and public figures. Ken passed away in 1990 but it was only recently that the interviews were found by his children. A small section of the interviews (approximately 5 minutes) were aired on US radio via the Lost Lennon Tapes broadcast in the late 80’s however the rest is thought to be previously unheard. The unedited interviews last approximately 1hr 31 minutes and in addition to those with John and Yoko there is also a tape reel containing a 7 minute 9 seconds interview from 1970 with Beatles manager Neil Aspinall. The interviews are across 12 reel-to-reel tapes and are accompanied by detailed transcripts and digital files with the recordings. 6 of the tape reels have unedited interviews with 5 others containing edited interviews complete with Beatles music etc which Ken will have put together to make the footage attractive to media outlets.
In addition to the tape reels there are 9 promotional photographs of John, Yoko and The Beatles that were sent to Ken in 1969 via The Beatles Apple Records label. The original envelope postmarked 1969 is included and features a “Fresh From Apple” label addressed to Ken Zeilig.
A truly unique and awe inspiring archive of interviews which deserve to be heard by all who love The Beatles and John Lennon.
These interviews are being sold with full copyright.
Estimate
£20,000 – £30,000
BEATLES FOR SALE MASTER TAPE.
An original reel of 1/4″ Emitape c 1964, being the original UK made EMI production master tape issued to EMI Australia in order to manufacture ‘Beatles For Sale’. With handwritten labels detailing tracklisting and song lengths. This item is sold as an artefact only, without copyright. Any reproduction is strictly prohibited.
Estimate
£500 – £1,000
GEORGE HARRISON CHILDHOOD HOME – 25 UPTON GREEN, SPEKE.
The former childhood home of George Harrison. George and his family moved into the property in 1950 when George was just 6 years old and here they spent 12 important and happy years prior to moving in 1962. During this period the house became a regular rehearsal venue for The Quarrymen and then latterly The Beatles when it was John, Paul, George and Pete. There are numerous pictures of George (and bandmates) inside and outside the property (examples pictures included in the listing).
A truly unique opportunity to own the property where George spent his formative years and that played an important part in helping The Beatles flourish soon after the Harrison family moved in 1962. Whether you want to live here yourself or be able to share the space with fellow fans this represents an excellent investment opportunity. Our current vendor bought the property in 2014 and according to Zoopla average house prices in the area have risen 20% since that date.
This spacious 3 bedroom family home has undergone a complete renovation with a hallway, lounge, kitchen/dining room and a family sized rear garden. The first floor includes three spacious
bedrooms, bathroom and WC. A number of original features from George’s time at the property still remain and include the bath, sink, some original doors, hanging rails in wardrobes and outbuildings complete with original doors and decor. In addition to this the vendor will also be including a large kitchen dresser unit that was found in the outbuildings and would have originally been in the kitchen when George and his family lived there.
Location: Upton Green is located in the suburb of Speke which is approximately 8 miles South East of Liverpool City Centre. Liverpool Airport is nearby and the area is well served by public transport and local amenities including supermarkets and retail parks.
Estimate
£160,000 – £200,000
Omega Auctions Beatles Collection auction takes place on September 28 and consists of 386 lots consisting of rare records, autographed items, reel to reel tapes, paper memorabilia and lots more. Beatles Autographs, Beatles Handwritten Lyrics, Beatles Books & Scrapbooks, Beatles Photographs, Beatles Film Footage, Beatles Fan Club Items, Beatles Concert Memorabilia, Beatles Posters, Beatles Promotional Items, Beatles Tickets, Beatles Programmes, Beatles Bubblegum Cards, Beatles, Beatles Film & TV Memorabilia, Beatles Magazines, Beatles Signed or Handwritten Items, Beatles Records, Beatles Novelty Items, Beatles Clothing, Apple Acetates, Apple Memorabilia etc. Also of course Wings memorabilia and solo stuff. There’s something there for almost every wallet, take a look!
I think George lived in Upton Green only until 1958/ 59 when the family moved to 174 Mackets Lane in Woolton.