Rare family photos, memorabilia of John Lennon on view in new exhibit (slideshow) (updated)

June 17, 7:50 PMBeatles ExaminerSteve Marinucci

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John Lennon and Julian Lennon. More pictures in the slideshow at the bottom of the page.
(From the Cynthia Lennon Collection. Courtesy of the Beatles Story.)

Julian and Cynthia Lennon were on hand for the opening of "White Feather: The Spirit of Lennon" exhibit at the Beatles Story, reports the Liverpool Daily Post. "“We have been working on this exhibition for quite a while so to actually see it today was a very proud moment for me," Julian Lennon told the paper.

A press release on the exhibit:

Opening on Wednesday 17th June in John Lennon’s home town of Liverpool, the world famous Beatles Story gives visitors the opportunity to experience a unique personal narration of life with John - by his son Julian, and Julian’s mother, Cynthia.

Beginning in Merseyside with the meeting at art college of John and Cynthia and following the journey from their
clandestine and the birth of Julian, both of which coincide with the sharply increasing trajectory of the band’s fame and fortune. The exhibition culminates in the story of Cynthia and Julian’s separation and divorce, giving visitors the chance immerse themselves in the personal journey of this normal family’s struggle to cope with the effects of fame thrown upon them and it is particularly pertinent in today’s celebrity conscious society.
Nothing demonstrates this more acutely than the title of the exhibition, ‘‘White Feather’’. During a tender moment
when Julian was a child, John first spoke to him about the white feather.

As Julian explains: ‘‘The white feather is so prevalent in my life. One thing for sure is that it’s always represented
peace to me. And one of the things my father said to me was that should he pass away, if there was some way of letting me know he was going to be ok, or that we were all going to be ok, it was by in some way, shape or form  presenting me with a white feather.’’

Then, around ten years ago while Julian was on tour in Australia, a group of Aborigines presented him with a white feather, asking him to be the voice for their plight. It was a breathtaking and inspirational moment for Julian. This episode moved Julian to create The White Feather Foundation, and subsequently the exhibition in honour of his father’s memory. It is Julian’s wish that the white feather will be recognised as a symbol of peace, strength and  honour through the work the charity will undertake.

 From a press release about the display of the notes for "Hey Jude" that is seen in the exhibit:

A brand new exhibition giving the most personal insight into the family life of John, Julian and Cynthia Lennon launches on Wednesday 17th June at The Beatles Story in Liverpool. Through personal on-screen conversations, Julian and Cynthia take visitors on a journey through their family life - re-living the various phases of a story which begins in Liverpool in the band’s early days, and ends with the tragic and untimely death of John Lennon.

In one of the key features of the exhibition, Cynthia recounts how she felt ostracised by The Beatles when her marriage to John broke down, and how she was left to look after their son Julian following the split. Paul McCartney, sympathetic to the emotions of Cynthia and her then five-year-old son Julian, wrote "Hey Jude" in order to console him during the divorce. The lyrics for the multi-million selling chart topper were composed by McCartney on a car journey as he travelled to visit his fellow Beatle’s wife and son. Originally titled ‘Hey Jules’ for Julian, he later changed the wording to ‘Hey Jude’ as it was easier to sing.

Julian bought the notes at auction some years ago along with many of the other items in the exhibition in memory of his father. Other personal possessions, including Lennon’s Honda ‘monkey bike’ motorbike and an electric guitar inscribed with the message “To Julian from Daddy, Christmas 1973’, will tell a 20-year tale of John Lennon’s home life and music career.

Julian Lennon says: “‘John Lennon is an idol to millions of people who grew up loving his music and ideals,
but to me he is the father I loved and lost. I hope this exhibition lets people see another aspect of his life and
our time together as a family. This collection represents something of great importance to us as it is part of
our history. We hope you find it a fitting tribute to a great talent and a remarkable man.”

Jerry Goldman at The Beatles Story comments: “The Beatles Story is dedicated to celebrating the music and
cultural influence of the Beatles. We are delighted to be working with Julian and Cynthia to tell their story of their life with John through this world exclusive exhibition, being hosted in our new second venue.”
White Feather: Spirit of Lennon has been curated by the world famous The Beatles Story and will be hosted at their expanded site in Liverpool.