John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ piano goes on display at Liverpool’s Strawberry Field attraction

The piano was delivered to the attraction to mark what would have been Lennon’s 80th birthday. It now forms part of the exhibition that tells stories of the house, The Salvation Army, John Lennon’s childhood as well as the writing and recording of The Beatles’ hit Strawberry Fields Forever. 

Groups visiting the attraction in the future can benefit from a variety of perks including free entry and a hot drink for the group organiser, private tours on request, dedicated staff to organise all aspects of your visit and local coach parking.

Now on long-term display at the attraction, the piano has been loaned there by the estate of George Michael, having toured globally with the late singer as a symbol of peace in the early 2000s. 

John Lennon’s sister Julia Baird, who is now honorary president of Strawberry Field, said: “Bringing John’s piano to Strawberry Field for the first time to mark what would have been his 80th birthday is a wonderful gesture - one that will bring joy to the hundreds of thousands of people who visit Liverpool to get closer to the history of The Beatles and John’s legacy.

“Strawberry Field played a pivotal role in John’s childhood as one of the first places that sparked his young imagination whilst living on nearby Menlove Avenue. It’s fitting therefore that this piano should find a new home here.”

Strawberry Field has been in the care of The Salvation Army since the 1930s as a place that supports vulnerable young people and a site of spirituality and inspiration.

Major Kathy Versfeld, mission director for Strawberry Field, said: “Since The Salvation Army first acquired the property in 1934, Strawberry Field has been a place of refuge and peace for all those who, like John, sought sanctuary beyond its beautiful red gates.

“We are absolutely delighted to be able to place on display in our exhibition this wonderful ‘instrument of peace’, sharing as we do with its owners an enduring passion for peacemaking and the transformation of communities and individual lives.”