| | This is the only statue of the uniquely talented and legendary John Lennon created during his lifetime. Sculpted by Brett-Livingstone Strong between 1979 and 1980, this work of art honors John Lennon’s life and his vision for world peace. The statue has been unveiled in Los Angeles in 1981 by LA Mayor Tom Bradley, and in New York by Andy Warhol. It has also been exhibited worldwide in the 80s. In the 1983 US festival it joined Bono and U2 on stage for a concert with an audience of over 300,000 people. The Lennon statue was also showcased by the Grammy Awards Music Academy in Los Angeles for close to a decade. In the early 80s Rolling Stone Magazine received over 250,000 signatures petitioning to overcome a park moratorium to have the statue placed in New York’s Central Park. This moratorium prevented any statues from permanently residing in the park unless the sculpture's history is relevant to New York after a period of 25 years. The overwhelming public support to place the statue in Central Park, adjacent to the location of John’s New York home at the Dakota apartments, may now be fulfilled as 26 years since his tragic death have passed. The monumental bronze may finally be donated as a public tribute and placed in New York’s Central Park or another suitable area to honor John’s legacy and his vision of world peace. With such a unique and wonderful history, the valuable original statue has been appraised in excess of $12 million by museum appraisers. The statue is mounted on a polished marble base in which the word ‘Imagine’ is carved.
The artist envisions that a version of the statue be created as a 24” gold award. These valuable works of art are to be presented every year at the proposed IMAGINE Awards ceremony in memory of John Lennon and his legacy. Of twelve nominees, one honoree in each category will receive the award for helping the environment and wellbeing of our planet, the preservation of world peace and freedom, and advancements in medicine and the health of mankind. Each rare and prestigious award is valued at over $1 million.
The John Lennon memorial statue unveiling on October 9th, 1981 by Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley at City Hall East.
Brett sculpting the Lennon Statue in 1979. |
