John Lennon, London, UK, 1975

By 1975, John Lennon had largely stepped away from life as a touring musician, dedicating much of his public presence to political activism alongside Yoko Ono. This photograph captures the couple as they participate in a peace rally in London's Hyde Park, reflecting the social engagement that became an integral part of Lennon's public identity during the 1970s.

Photographer Rowland Scherman happened upon the demonstration by chance while walking through Hyde Park. Seeing the tail end of a large march, he ran to the front to discover John Lennon leading the procession, with Yoko Ono at his side. Working with his Leica camera loaded with Kodak Tri-X film, Scherman produced one of the most authentic and unguarded portraits of Lennon during his years as an activist.

Far removed from the stage, Lennon appears as a citizen participating in a public demonstration rather than as one of the world's most famous musicians. The image embodies the ideals of peace, free expression and political engagement that defined his post-Beatles years.

This photograph is held in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery, London (NPG x138258), where the print was given by Rowland Scherman.

The work offered on this page is an archival pigment print.

The last remaining 20 × 24-inch (51 × 61 cm) gelatin silver print, made by Rowland Scherman from the original negative, is also available. This is a rare opportunity for serious collectors. Inquire for details.