Today sees the launch of the StuartSutcliffeArt.com website. Stuart Sutcliiffe was just 21 when he died from a brain hemorrhage in 1962. Stuart, a prodigious young talent would, it is widely believed, have become one of the leading painters of his generation had he lived. In 1959, John Moores, the patron of the John Moores Bi-Annual Exhibitions held at the Walker Art Gallery, purchased Stuart’s “Summer Painting”. Lennon persuaded Stuart to join his band, Johnny and the Moondogs and invest his windfall in the purchase of a bass guitar, they called it “The Brunett” (because of its color), Lennon had “The Blond”. Stuart Sutcliffe is known as The Fifth Beatle (actually he was the fourth), John Lennon’s best friend (Stuart and Lennon were roommates while at the Art College in Liverpool) and the James Dean of Hamburg. He chose to put his career as a painter (his first passion) before that of a Beatle. Pauline Sutcliffe, Stuart’s sister, has launched StuartSutcliffeArt.com in response to the myriad requests and growing public demand for the Stuart Sutcliffe brand. It will be clear to anyone who peruses the site and looks closely at his paintings, writings, lyrics, poetry etc. just what a tragic loss his death was to the world and to the arts. In an essay by Donald Kuspit, professor of art history and philosophy at the State University of New York, he wrote that “Stuart Sutcliffe emerged as an Abstract Expressionist painter just as Abstract Expressionism was in decline, but his works return to its origins, epitomizing all that is best in it.” Today, several pieces of work by Stuart including a self-portrait are on permanent exhibition at the National Museums and Galleries of Liverpool in The Museum of Liverpool Life and The Walker Art Gallery. Stuart’s work has been showcased throughout the world in mostly non-commercial exhibitions in every major city throughout Japan, Europe, Canada and the USA. Now, many of the pieces from the collections will be available for sale through StuartSutcliffeArt.com Universal Studios recently re-released Lain Softley’s film, BackBeat on DVD. Softley directed this critically acclaimed film about Stuart, his life as a Beatle and his mutually passionate love with Astrid Kirchherr, the photographer who took the unforgettable early iconic black & white photographs of the Beatles. The recently commissioned BBC documentary, STUART SUTCLIFFE, THE LOST BEATLE will soon be released on DVD by Digital Classics. This outstanding tribute directed by Steve Cole and the award winning Iambic Productions will be released with a “Bonus-Gallery of Stuart Sutcliffe’s work. “Only a fraction of the art and artifact collections are represented on this site - which gives an insight into just how prolific Stuart was. The site showcases Stuart’s brilliance, perpetuates the Stuart Sutcliffe cult-like image and pays tribute to this “Lost Beatle” who has over time become an iconic figure” said Pauline Sutcliffe, Sole Executrix and Owner of Stuart Sutcliffe Estates. “Stu was more than just our bass player – he was like our art director”, George Harrison. Even though Yoko Ono never met him she said “I felt I knew him...John referred to Stuart daily”.
... “Stu was more than just our bass player – he was like our art director”, George Harrison. Even though Yoko Ono never met him she said “I felt I knew him...John referred to Stuart daily”.
Art director ... seeing his poses while he was playing ... Referred to him daily ... so many years later ...
Original Beatle Stuart Sutcliffe Insights into the mind of the fifth Beatle – Stuart Sutcliffe – will be going on display at a Merseyside museum next month.
Artwork from the ill-fated bass player - who was one of the original members of the Beatles – is coming to Prescot Museum in Knowsley.
One of John Lennon's closest friends, Sutcliffe may only have been in the band for a year and a half but he was a major influence on the Beatles' development.
Sutcliffe left the band to concentrate on his art studies but he died from a brain haemorrhage on April 10, 1962.
Sutcliffe's work includes pieces reproduced as high quality prints on paper, steel, glass, canvas, banner material and kappa board.
Five of the works on show can even be purchased as limited edition framed paper prints – a must for Beatles collectors.
The exhibition offers a special insight into Sutcliffe's celebrated creativity with interesting supporting comments from his peers, teachers and fellow band members.
The breadth of his images and artistic expertise is highlighted through an exciting use of high-tech reproduction processes on different materials.
The artwork will be on display at Prescot Museum from May 5 to June 26.
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