'The New York Years' is filled with photos and reflections by Gruen on the circumstances surrounding the photos such as John's relationship with Yoko, the role of the band Elephant's Memory, how he dealt with fame, his first days with his son Sean, and how he spiralled downward on alcohol fuelled binges. It is a true behind-the-scenes look at Lennon as a performer, a legend, and a person.

This year we have celebrated 75 years of John Lennon and this exhibition pays a timely tribute. The new images going on display were shot for the Walls and Bridges album in late 1973.

 

"In late august, just after I had returned from a twelve-day tour of Japan with Yoko, John called and said that he needed pictures taken for his Walls and Bridges album. The art director wanted to have a series of pictures, all of his face the same size with different expressions. Then they would cut the pieces into flaps, so you would have one series of his eyes, one of his mouth, another of his nose, and you could rearrange them in different faces and expressions, like a toy ..." – Bob Gruen.

The Beatles Story has also recently unveiled the last piano that John Lennon ever played. The distinctive sounds from this piano can be heard on Walls and Bridges. Both sets of new memorabilia offer great insight into the album and to John Lennon himself.