The first one here is purported to be the house sign from Kenwood (fairly obviously) during the John-era. It was sold at auction a few years ago, for around £10,000 (apparently). The story goes that John took it to Tittenhurst with him, whereupon he gave it to the gardener there. I emailed Lizzie Bravo to see if she recalls where it was situated at Kenwood, and interestingly enough she can't remember ever seeing it. So, either it's a dud, or more likely it was taken into the house by John to avoid it being "borrowed" by over-enthusiastic fans (and also, possibly, in an attempt to put people off the trail). The other two are the front gate (again etc) from both sides, circa 2008. I would have thought that there must be lots of fan photos of the gate during John's time, given that was where people hung out - but I've yet to see one. Odd. (The only pic I have seen is the one of Paul arriving in 1967, and I don't think that's a fan photo). Anyway, little danger of the current Kenwood sign being successfully purloined, as St George's Hill is CCTV-ed to the electronic eyeballs. (Not that one would attempt to purloin it. Ahem). Thanks again to Joe Baiardi for these.
Ken,
ReplyDeleteMargo told me that the sign used to hang from a wooden post, then she doesn't remember what happened. I think someone should build a replica of the Sunroom, with sliding doors etc, even the black/white motif running along the top, the carpet; electric fireplace; TV, posters; crucifix; pictures et al. That would be amazing. But, then again.. the same could have been said about buying or creating a Neverland again, installing Michael Jackon's artifacts and memorabilia back to some sort of Elvis Garceland's experience - only difference is that he isn't buried in the back garden... unlike John's bottles of Lysergic acid.