§ James Lawrence Isherwood F.R.S.A., F.I.A.L. (British 1917-1989)
"Lennon Crucified, his Fans & Jimmy Savile"

Signed, titled on verso, oil on board.

Dimensions: 81.5 x 58.5cm

This painting is illustrated on page 304 of Isherwood (Anyone Can Paint - But Not Like Me!) by Stephen Eckersley, published 2009.

This painting is one of Isherwood's self-professed "gimmicky" paintings, which he produced during the 1960s with the sole intention of causing controversy and, in turn, publicity for his art. The three examples featured in Wilson55's Northern Art Sale were originally bought from the artist during a 1966 exhibition of his work at Lincoln College, Oxford. This painting depicts John Lennon hanging from a cross while the winged head of Mick Jagger mocks him and a crowd of women at the forefront of the painting are "treating the whole thing like a pop-show." The student who bought the painting received a threatening letter afterwards, warning him to destroy the painting or the sender would. It can be assumed that this was due to its controversial use of religious imagery, though Isherwood did claim that it was not meant to be "anti-religious" but was instead inspired by his lack of respect for pop stars.

Artists’ Resale Right (“droit de suite”) may apply to this lot.