Shelagh Johnston, curator and manager of the Beatles Story, where the piano has been on display since February, says she is worried the buyer of the instrument at auction on Tuesday will take it away from the port city in northwestern England. The Beatles Story would love to be able to bid for the piano, but we are a privately run museum and it is completely out of our league. Johnston, who has been seeking a benefactor, will be at the auction and hopes to persuade the buyer to house Lennon's piano in the Beatles museum, which would bear the insurance costs.
Bidding is likely to be heavy and high.
The auctioneers acknowledge that the piano may leave Britain forever. Chapman was denied parole earlier this month. Reuters contributed to this report. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you.