John Lennon’s original sketch for the cover of the Beatles’ seminal Sgt Pepper album is set to cross the block at Julien’s Auctions.

The incredible piece was discovered in an old sketchbook in Lennon’s former home in Kenwood, Surrey by the new owners of the house.

The illustration shows all the major elements of the final cover 

It’s hard to imagine just how exciting that moment must have been.

The drawing is a strong realisation of the cover, with all of the major elements present.

The auction house comments: “The astonishing sketch includes John Lennon’s handwriting of the album’s title on the central bass drum in the image.

“This sketch is one of the most significant and historically important pieces of Beatles memorabilia ever to be recovered.

“Ultimately, all of the Beatles had a hand in the final design of the album art.”

While the band was heavily involved in the design, it’s unclear exactly what stage of the process this undated illustration is from.

It shows the cover in more or less its final form, suggesting that it may have been drawn when the plans were finished - or even sometime after the shoot.

The lot is valued at $40,000-60,000. It will sell in the Music Icons 2017 sale in LA on May 20.  

Other materials connected with Sgt Pepper have proven irresistible to collectors in the past.

A collage by artist Peter Blake used as the album’s insert realised £55,250 ($83,000) at Sotheby’s London in 2012.

We have this incredibly rare signed copy of the Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night for sale.

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