Unseen Artworks by Founding Beatles Member Stuart Sutcliffe to be Revealed to the Public
Four previously unseen artworks created by Stuart Sutcliffe, the original bassist for The Beatles and one of the band's founding members, are set to go on public display for the very first time. The pieces will be unveiled at the Liverpool Beatles Museum on Thursday, offering a rare glimpse into the artistic talents of a musician who left the iconic group to pursue his passion for visual art.
A Tragic Talent Cut Short
Stuart Sutcliffe joined The Beatles after meeting John Lennon at the Liverpool College of Art, where they both studied. He later travelled to Hamburg, Germany, to perform with the band during their formative years. Sutcliffe ultimately departed the group in 1961 to dedicate himself fully to his art career, but tragically died the following year at the age of just 21. His brief life has left a lasting legacy, intertwining with the history of one of the world's most famous bands.
From Private Collection to Public Exhibition
The four works have been loaned to the museum by Hereward Harrison, an 82-year-old close friend of Sutcliffe's late sister, Pauline. Mr Harrison explained that Ms Sutcliffe, who passed away in 2019, had given him the pieces as gifts over the course of their 50-year friendship. He had kept them framed on his wall as cherished personal mementos until a conversation at a party inspired him to consider sharing them with a wider audience.
"Someone suggested I contact the museum," Mr Harrison recalled. "Pauline would be delighted. She would be so pleased I was taking them back to Liverpool." His decision to make the artworks publicly accessible honours both the memory of his friend and her brother's artistic contributions.
The Artworks Themselves
The collection features a diverse range of pieces that reflect different periods in Sutcliffe's life. It includes a sketch of people on a bridge, created during his time as a student at the Liverpool College of Art. Alongside this are three abstract pieces produced during his period of work and study in Hamburg, showcasing his evolving style. Mr Harrison's personal favourite is a collage that incorporates fragments of a German newspaper, adding a layer of historical context to the work.
Celebrating the Artist Beyond the Beatle
Reflecting on Sutcliffe's dual legacy, Mr Harrison noted: "Most people are interested in the Beatles connection, and I like The Beatles, but there are two stories here. He happened to be a Beatle, but this is also about him as an artist. He is famous because he was a Beatle, but his real talent was art." This exhibition aims to highlight that artistic talent, offering a deeper understanding of Sutcliffe beyond his musical associations.
A Friendship Forged in London
Mr Harrison met Pauline Sutcliffe in the 1960s when they were both working as social workers in Brixton, London. They quickly became firm friends, with Mr Harrison fondly remembering, "We had such fun." During their friendship, Pauline would often speak about her brother, describing him as "a very talented young man." She later authored a book about Stuart and organised exhibitions of his art, diligently keeping his memory alive.
Adding to the Museum's Collection
These items represent the latest additions to the Mathew Street museum, which is owned by Roag Best, brother of The Beatles' original drummer, Pete Best. The exhibition not only enriches the museum's holdings but also provides a poignant connection to the band's early history, celebrating a figure whose influence extended beyond music into the visual arts.
