Page from the guest book of the London restaurant Le Moulin d’Or, 9.5 x 7.5, signed in black ballpoint, “Beatles Ltd., love Paul McCartney, 28/10/67”; “John Lennon”; “Ringo Starr”; and “George Harrison.” The page has also been signed twice in ballpoint by the important British painter Francis Bacon (1909–1992), best known for his grotesque, sometimes violent imagery often incorporating flayed human figures. Bacon’s first signature is inscribed to George “with fondest wishes” and is dated May 25, 1962; the second is dated 1977. At the time of signing, the Beatles were in the midst of production on the ill-conceived film of Magical Mystery Tour, which debuted on British television in the following December and was almost universally reviled. A few weeks earlier, on October 14, Paul and George met the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi for the first time; in the following year, all four Beatles traveled to India to study with the Maharishi. Matted and framed with a later printing of a 1968 photo of the Beatles in Rishikesh with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, signed in pencil by photographer Paul Saltzman, and an engraved descriptive plaque, to an overall size of 23.25 x 37. In very good condition, with a few pieces of tape to edges, a few chips and wrinkles, Bacon’s later signature overlapping Paul’s, and scattered soiling and light staining affecting appearance (very lightly touching Ringo’s and George’s names and Paul’s inscription). All of the Beatles’ signatures are bold and dark. COA Roger Epperson/REAL and R&R COA.
