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Diary that throws more light on Beatles break-up bought by fan for £1,875




A personal diary that sheds more light on the break-up of The Beatles has fetched three times its estimate at auction.

The personal diary written in 1969 by the wife of The Beatles Press Officer Derek Taylor, expected to fetch £400-600 at Special Auction Services in Newbury sold for £1,875 on Tuesday.

The diary, written by Joan Taylor gives a fascinating insight into the personal as well as business-life of The Beatles and the interaction that she and her husband Derek had with them during the fraught period of early 1969.

DIARY THROWS NEW LIGHT ON THE BEATLES BREAK UP
DIARY THROWS NEW LIGHT ON THE BEATLES BREAK UP

SAS director Thomas Forrester said: "This is a great example of how the Fab Four still remain current in such a modern world.

“We had plenty of interest from Beatles Collectors and we're very pleased the diary was sold to a fan."

On reading the entries the nature of their personal relationships as well as Derek’s professional dealings with The Beatles is clear. Derek was particularly close with George Harrison and less so with Paul McCartney (Monday 10th February: "More trouble with Paul Mc”) - and the diary provides a unique and first-hand look at the events leading up to the break-up of the band and the Apple business.

Interestingly, the diary also includes day-to day details of Joan’s life such as the delivery of a piano, shopping, taking the kids out to spend pocket money, having a relaxing bath and watching the news. This is juxtaposed with the entries describing later on in the days when Derek came home from work and was clearly frazzled.

DIARY THROWS NEW LIGHT ON THE BEATLES BREAK UP
DIARY THROWS NEW LIGHT ON THE BEATLES BREAK UP

Special Auction Services Music & Entertainment expert said: “The Beatles have been written about so many times that it is hard to find new insights into the band, but this diary throws a light on the key dates and events in the run up to their split and gives personal details that would not have been available before.

“Although the public were not aware of it, the break-up was building up for about a year before it became public, and so to a Beatles collector this is a fascinating artefact.”

The diary was bought at a local auction by the Bones Lane Antiques Centre in Battlesbridge alongside other Derek Taylor ephemera including his passport from the time he worked as Press Officer to The Beatles, National Service card, Social Security Card and more.



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