It sounds strange, but sometimes I forget that John Lennon is gone. Like everybody fortunate enough to know John, he made a huge impact on my life. Meeting John and his first wife Cynthia back when I was a teenager was a real game-changer for me, and I sometimes wonder what might have become of my life and career had we not crossed paths.
We met at the Liverpool College of Art, where it became clear that I shared a passion with John Lennon – drawing. He initially approached me as he recognised me from the local papers. That’s not just a humble brag, I promise! I was in the paper as I had drawn a portrait for Lonnie Donegan, probably the biggest pop star in England at the time (and John’s hero!)
John and I formed an immediate friendship based on mutual creativity and a desire to laugh. I knew that this silly young man would be an important part of my life, so I chose to sketch him when we were young. Possibly my favourite best John Lennon drawing dates back to 1958, when we studied together. You might not recognise him as the John Lennon the rest of the world got to know, but that’s always how I’ll remember my old pal! The Buddy Holly glasses and Teddy Boy hair were unmistakable. That’s why I called this picture “My Buddy John.”
John changed his look countless times over the years, reinventing himself as he evolved. I continued to create John Lennon drawings, as he was such a fascinating and inspiring subject. The next image of John I made, I called “The Dream’s Not Over” – a sketch of his famous long-haired look from the Sergeant Pepper release, along with his talismanic pendant. Everybody has their own favourite era of John Lennon, and that’s the picture that many people paint in their imagination when my old friend’s name is mentioned.
I created one other John Lennon drawing in 2018, stepping back in time to the 1960s again. I called this one “Return of the Cap,” as it’s a side profile shot of John sporting the famous leather Bakerboy cap – designed by yours truly – that became a fashion icon in the Help! video. If you like my John Lennon drawings, I have them available for sale on T-Shirts and other clothing – just hop over to my web shop, where you can take your pick!
