Lennon and McCartney: Painting with Sound explores the work of two of the most influential composers of the twentieth century.

Five decades after the breakup of the Beatles, the music of John Lennon and Paul McCartney continues to fascinate and inspire. Evidence suggests that their uniquely eclectic approach can be traced back to the Liverpool College of Art. Following on that idea, this book explores the creative dialogue between John Lennon and Paul McCartney, both with the Beatles and on their own, that grew out of that early influence.

The structure of the book

The book is presented in three sections:

I. Stretching the Canvas

Considers the Liverpool College of Art as the backdrop for John and Paul’s early collaborations with painter and musician Stuart Sutcliffe. This is followed by discussions of select works created by the Beatles between 1962-69.

II. Extending the Space

Focuses on the long-distance creative dialogue between Lennon and McCartney as demonstrated in their respective solo recordings of the 1970s.

III. New Colours

Considers the final works of the Lennon and McCartney creative dialogue as well as various McCartney solo projects released in the years that followed Lennon’s death in 1980. Here, the focus is on Paul’s development as a painter, its effect on his creativity, and his subsequent efforts to establish the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts as a world-class arts conservatory.