John Lennon’s Bag One, an exhibition of lithographs including several containing erotic imagery, had opened on 15 January 1970. Just 24 hours later it was raided by police officers, who confiscated eight of the 14 original artworks on the grounds of indecency.
The lithographs, known collectively as Bag One, had been drawn by Lennon in 1969, and chronicled his wedding ceremony and honeymoon with Yoko Ono, and one of their bed-ins for world peace.
The exhibition took place over a two-week period at the London Arts Gallery at 22 New Bond Street, London W1. The gallery owner was Eugene Schuster.
The Bag One Portfolio was published as a limited edition of 300, and contained 14 artworks. Each lithograph was signed by Lennon. The portfolio went on sale for £550, with individual prints priced at £40 each.
The police raid followed a tip-off from Egham magistrate Nansi Creer. Although eight artworks were removed, 50 sets and 20 individual prints had already been sold.
The issue was referred to the Director of Public Prosecution, who decided not to prosecute Lennon under the Obscene Publications Act 1964, in case it led to censorship of artworks by a great many other artists who depicted nude figures.
Lennon was, instead, prosecuted under the Metropolitan Police Act 1839. This made it an offence to distribute indecent material in a public thoroughfare. A trial ensued, but the case was dismissed after three weeks on 27 April 1970, when a magistrate ruled that the London Arts Gallery was not a thoroughfare.
I was employed in New Scotland Yard in the fingerprint and photographic departments in 1970. A few months into my first job after leaving school. I was aged 16. I recall the 8 confiscated lithographs arriving in the department. They were lined up along the floor, leaning against the wall, in a corridor so everyone could have a look. Staff from all over the building came to see them. They were a source of great curiosity for everyone.
It was my father who was the young American art gallery owner who put on the John Lennon Bag One show at the London Arts Gallery. I remember as a young boy when he was put on trial for Obscenity by Her Majesty’s court. It was quite intense time. If he were found guilty he could have been expelled from the UK and barred from entering England again leaving his high profile galley in jeopardy. Fortunately for my family my Dad was found innocent and the whole case was dismissed. The establishment wanted to send a message about youth culture and my father was the proxy target since John did not attend. The show was remounted soon thereafter to great success on New Bond Street as well as the Detroit gallery.
Mr Francis, I would be very interested in hearing more from you about the details you recall. Any details, tidbits or memories would be greatly appreciated. This story is quite personal for me and I’d love to know more of your perspective while my father is still alive to share with him. Please leave comment here or contact me directly if possible.
From the date of this John Lennon Art RAID on January 16th, 1970, to “The LAST Beatles Song” on November 2nd, 2023, spans 19,649 DAYS, counting both dates, and equals exactly 666.0666 LUNAR CYCLES of 29.5 DAYS each! (Similarly, from the FIRST “Jack The Ripper” Ritual Killing, on August 31st, 1888, to the BIRTH of Beatle James Paul McCartney, on June 18th, 1942, likewise spans exactly 19,649 DAYS, and 666.0666 LUNAR CYCLES! ?