8-02-2023 4:51am

TOWSON TO AUCTION

John Lennon's Historic Baldwin Concert Grand Piano Up For Auction In Towson

One of history's most famous pianos, formerly owned by John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Sam Green, and Andy Warhol, will be up for auction in Towson on September 30, according to Alex Cooper Auctioneers.

Selden Morgan, the auction house's sales and fine jewelry director confirmed to The Baltimore Banner that bidding will commence at $1 million, with the piano expected to fetch between $2 million and $3 million.

According to the auctioneer's website, the Baldwin Concert Grand Model D Piano was constructed in 1929 and sold to John Lennon in New York City in 1978.

Lenon and Yoko Ono later gifted the piano to Sam Green in 1979 - one year before the singer-songwriter's tragic death. The instrument adorned Green's personal residence on Fire Island, N.Y., until 1983, when the renowned curator and director lent the piano to Andy Warhol.

Under Warhol's watchful eye, the piano found a place of honor in the New York City office of Interview magazine until 1987, when Green lent the piano to the New York Academy of Art. Following its wrongful sale by someone at the academy in 1999, Green filed a lawsuit to recover the heirloom.

The lawsuit was dismissed in 2001 after media coverage of the "lost Lennon piano" scandal revealed that the instrument had ended up with a man named Buddy Bain in Alabama, who was oblivious to its historical significance.

The Baltimore Banner reports that Bain sold the piano to Mansoor Emral Shaool in 2003. After becoming part of the family's trust, it was relocated to Mercersburg Academy in Pennsylvania when a scholarship fund for the family was set up there. In 2022, Alex Hernan of Alex Cooper Auctioneers and Lile were tasked to evaluate the piano.

Online bidding for this historic piano starts on September 15, leading up to the live auction in Baltimore County around two weeks later.

The Lennon - Ono - Green - Warhol Piano

Proceeds From The Sale Of The Piano Will Be Used To Create A Scholarship Fund For Mercersburg Academy

Description

Built in 1929, John Lennon purchased this Baldwin Concert Grand Model D Piano from the Baldwin Factory Store in New York City in 1978. This exceptional instrument holds a remarkable journey, involving influential individuals and artistic collaborators.

In 1979, John Lennon and Yoko Ono gifted the piano to Sam Green. For several years, this piano resided at Green's personal home on Fire Island, N.Y. Then, in 1983, Green loaned the piano to Andy Warhol, who placed it prominently at the Interview magazine office in New York City. Subsequently, in 1987, Green loaned the piano to the New York Academy of Art.

Originally owned by John Lennon, renowned musician and member of The Beatles, this piano holds immense historical and musical significance. It symbolizes the connection between Lennon's artistic genius and the instrument that served as his creative companion. The piano's journey from Lennon to Green and its temporary residence with Andy Warhol add layers of cultural and artistic context to its story.

This exceptional piece represents an iconic era where music, art, and cultural movements converged. It stands as a testament to the creative vision and legacy of John Lennon and The Beatles. The Lennon - Ono - Green - Warhol Piano offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of music history, encapsulating the spirit and enduring impact of Lennon's musical contributions.

After the piano was moved to Sam Green's Fire Island Cottage, John and Yoko often visited while composing songs for their last album, "Double Fantasy".

Included with this extraordinary piece is a letter of provenance, providing authentication and a testament to its remarkable history.