8009 - Beatles Signatures - Obtained at the Continental Hotel in Sweden (1963)

Beatles Signatures - Obtained at the Continental Hotel in Sweden (1963) Vintage autograph album, 5.75 x 3.5, signed inside on separate pages in ballpoint by the Beatles — “John Lennon, xxx,” “George Harrison (Beatles),” “Paul McCartney (Beatles), xx,” and “The Beatles, Ringo Starr, xxx.” In fine condition, with a full split to the front inner hinge. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from the son of the original recipient: “These autographs were obtained by my mother in 1963 while she was employed at the Continental Hotel in Sweden. At the time, she was 19 years old and worked in housekeeping, bringing water to guests, making beds, and assisting with general hotel services. During that summer, she was living in Warrington, England, and spoke fluent English. Because she was familiar with Liverpool and had a good knowledge of The Beatles and their music, she was invited to visit the band's hotel room and spend some time talking with them. During the visit, she spoke mainly with John Lennon, who jokingly remarked that someone had removed her name from the autograph book. In fact, she had done so herself because she felt embarrassed about asking for autographs and did not want to draw attention to herself. She also spoke with Ringo Starr, while Paul McCartney was working on a song. She does not recall what George Harrison was doing at the time. My mother explained that the autographs were intended for her younger sister because she felt she was too old to be asking for autographs herself. She also recalled that Swedish singer Lill-Babs was the major star associated with the event at the time. According to her recollection, Lill-Babs had presented flowers to The Beatles, but the band declined them. John Lennon then offered the flowers to my mother, who politely declined them as well.”