Though this absolutely perfect example of British hipster culture of the late 1960s donned Ringo Starr’s wax figure at Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum in 1968, photos clearly show it on George Harrison’s figure more than a year earlier, likely indicating it was actually donated to the museum from George’s personal wardrobe!
After the success of the first set of Beatles wax figures at Madame Tussaud’s in London in early 1964, the fab four became a permanent installation. While the initial set of collarless suits were specially made for the first Tussaud’s display, successive figures were dressed in clothing that came directly from the Beatles’ own personal wardrobes, and the figures were updated on a regular basis. This blue velvet jacket, with massive lapels, thigh-length, and double breasted was a look only a Beatle could pull off in the mid-1960s, and the offered “Lord John of Carnaby St.” jacket graced the wax figure of two of them—George Harrison and Ringo Starr! This wonderful period example of British hipster style emanates from the collection of Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, which brought several Beatles garments to auction in 2005.
When initially offered for sale some years ago, though, this jacket was presented as Ringo Starr’s because it was filed as such by Madame Tussaud’s archive staff, and, more importantly, photographs from 1968 show the jacket on Ringo’s wax figure. The photos are dated October 4, 1968, and indicate that the Beatles figures “have been on display at Tussaud’s since 1964 and have had six changes of clothes due to their many fashion changes.”
As if this jacket wasn’t historic and interesting enough, further research now indicates that it most-likely came from the personal wardrobe of George Harrison. A news service photo dated 18 months earlier, on April 4, 1967, shows George’s wax figure wearing the jacket! The caption reads, in part, “Face lift for the Beatles...Their counter parts at Madam Tussaud’s world famous waxworks required bringing up to date, seeing that since last year the boys have acquired droopy moustaches and changed their hairstyles not to speak of their ‘with it’ gear.”
Close inspection of the photos provides further evidence that the jacket is most-likely George’s and not Ringo’s. George was several inches taller than Ringo, and their wax figures were made to scale. It would follow that a jacket of George’s would be just a bit too large for Ringo’s frame. When comparing how the jacket hung on both figures, it is clear the jacket is hanging just a bit long on Ringo’s, whereas it fits George perfectly. The filing error that occurred at the wax museum makes a certain amount of sense. If the jacket was last used on Ringo's figure it would be marked as such when it was put in their archives. But the size differential is fairly telling, and the jacket looks as good on George's wax figure as it probably look on him.
The jacket presents with its original “Lord John of Carnaby St.” tag, as well as a “Made in England” tag, both on the interior pocket. There is also a manufacturers’ tag on the inside of the left waist pocket indicating the jacket is “SIZE 34.” There is an unreadable pen notation on the size tag. The suit emanates directly from the “Madame Tussaud’s Collection,” which was brought to auction in 2005, and it is accompanied by a letter of authenticity on museum letterhead as well as a letter from “Cooper Owen PLC” attesting to the jacket’s authenticity. The jacket presents with moderate to heavy wear and is missing several buttons. Excellent condition.