Items belonging to the late Suffolk DJ John Peel – including a record signed by John Lennon and Yoko Ono – are set to be auctioned off next month.
The broadcasting legend, who lived just outside Stowmarket, amassed a huge collection of records and music memorabilia – some of which will go under the hammer at Bonhams in Knightsbridge on June 14.
Among the items will be records, personal correspondence – such as a hand-written letter from David Bowie –and other items like the DJ's personal gramophone, which sat on his desk in his Suffolk home.
With an estimated worth of between £15,000 and £20,000, a vinyl copy of 'Two Virgins' from 1968, signed by John Lennon and Yoko Ono is set to be one of the stars of the auction.
Peel – whose real name was John Ravenscroft – lived just outside Stowmarket in Great Finborough until he died of a heart attack in 2004 at the age of 65.
Speaking about the event, the Ravenscroft family said: "John/dad was in a position to have access to many of the most celebrated people and events in the history of popular music.
"In going through the accumulation of 40 years of pop music moments, we decided that some of the most interesting items might find a home, with fans of his programme or of the artists whose music he played."
Stowmarket is now home to the live music venue, the John Peel Centre for the Creative Arts, a "tribute to the life and times of the much-loved broadcaster".
Katherine Schofield, director of Bonhams Popular Culture department, said: "This collection, offered directly by the family, comprises some of Peel's most collectible and rare records, spanning decades in music – many of which are accompanied by letters from the artists or their management."
During his career, Peel helped launch the careers of many musicians and bands, including David Bowie, Queen and The Sex Pistols. In the 1980s, he was a presenter of Top of The Pops and regularly covered the Glastonbury Festival, with The John Peel Stage being dedicated to him in 2004.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here