Figurative artist Jonathan Hague was born in Llandudno in 1938 and became friends with John Lennon when they both studied at Liverpool College of Art. As the Beatles provided the inspiration for and subject matter of a number of Hague’s paintings, Jonathan’s family have decided to display his historic Sgt. Pepper portrait at the Liverpool Beatles Museum.
Hague and Lennon became known together at Art College as the two “Johns” and kept in contact throughout the Beatles subsequent rise to fame. When the Beatles played in Hague’s hometown in Wales Hague even allowed Lennon to borrow his car! Lennon demonstrated his love of art and the importance he placed on their lasting friendship by sponsoring several of Hague’s exhibitions including his last one at the Royal Institute in 1967. It was at this exhibition, also supported by Paul McCartney, that Lennon purchased Hague’s first portrait of the Beatles in their Sgt Pepper uniforms. Lennon’s support for his artist friend did not end there, he also purchased a house for him in Leamington Spa. Jonathan Hague continued his progress within the world of art by lecturing at several universities and was ultimately honoured with a State Scholarship from the Netherlands.
Following John Lennon’s untimely death in 1980 Hague, inspired by his memories of John set about producing a second Sgt Pepper painting as a tribute to John, which Johnathan put on display in his house and which has remained in his family until now.
When Jonathan Hague died in 2015 his family decided it was a fitting time to look for a place to display the iconic Sgt Pepper painting that Hague had produced following John’s death. Word had reached the Hague family about the Liverpool Beatles Museum and impressed by what they heard they visited the museum. Following a tour of the museum, hosted by the museum’s curator Roag Best, they quickly decided they had found the natural home to exhibit their father’s work.
In September 2021 the Liverpool Beatles Museum welcomed a crowd of fans and friends of the Hague family to witness the reveal of the painting, which was unveiled by Julia Baird, John Lennon’s younger sister, who was delighted to see such a fantastic painting go on display. The event was a huge success, with worldwide media coverage celebrating the painting and the relationship between John Lennon and his friend Johnathan Hauge.
“Dad loved the Beatles and their work. This painting reminds us of John Lennon’s generosity and the deep friendship he shared with our Dad. The Liverpool Beatles Museum is the perfect place for it” Eliza Hague.
“We are delighted that the public are going to have the opportunity to see a piece of artwork that was not only influenced by the Beatles but also by the enduring friendship of the two Johns, Hague and Lennon” Roag Best (Curator at Liverpool Beatles Museum).
We are delighted to add such a special piece to the exhibition as another one off piece that can only be viewed at the Liverpool Beatles Museum on Mathew Street.
