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Scarce vintage glossy 5.5 x 3.5 Fropax Eskimo Frood Ltd. publicity photo of John Lennon of the Beatles, signed and inscribed on the reverse in ink, “To Wendy, love from, John Lennon, x.” In very fine condition.
Printed below the signature is “John Lennon M.B.E.,” a reference to his appointment as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, which was bestowed upon him and his fellow Beatles at Buckingham Palace on October 26, 1965. Four years later, on November 25, 1969, Lennon wrote a letter to Queen Elizabeth II, informing her that he was returning his MBE. It read: ‘I am returning my MBE as a protest against Britain’s involvement in the Nigeria-Biafra thing, against our support of America in Vietnam and against ‘Cold Turkey’ slipping down the charts. With love. John Lennon of Bag.’ This gesture had no effect on Lennon’s MBE status, which could be renounced, but ultimately only the Sovereign has the power to annul the original award. The medal, together with Lennon's letter, is held at the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood.
The consignor notes that the recipient was English actress Wendy Richard, best known for her television roles as Miss Shirley Brahms on the BBC sitcom Are You Being Served?, and as Pauline Fowler on the soap opera EastEnders. Richard appeared in the Beatles’ second film, Help!, but her scene was later cut from the released version.
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