The document said to be the “definitive” contract between The Beatles and Brian Epstein is to go on display at The Beatles Story for just two weeks.
The document, signed in 1962, bears the signatures of all four Beatles, and that of Harold Harrison and James McCartney on behalf of their under-age sons, along with Epstein. It confirms an agreement to give Epstein a 25% cut of the band's income.
It could be the public's last chance to see the legendary document which contains two signatures by John Lennon, who mistakenly signed his name in the wrong place.
This is the second of two contracts which Epstein gave the band to sign – the first, which omits his name and fails to secure the signatures of the parents of the under-aged Beatles, was given to the band on January 24, 1962.
It also included the signature of drummer Pete Best, who was released from the band just six weeks before this definitive contract was signed by his replacement Richard Starkey, aka Ringo Starr.
The contract goes on display at the Beatles Story at the Albert Dock from today until October 9, then it will go to auction where it may be kept private.
Jerry Goldman, managing director of the Beatles Story, said: “The contract's exhibit corresponds with a number of important Beatles dates – October 1 marks the 47th anniversary of the signing of this momentous document, and October 9 coincides with John Lennon's 69th birthday.
“It is appropriate that we have such an important piece of The Beatles memorabilia here for everyone to enjoy.
“As the future of the document is uncertain, it may well be the last chance for people to view this famous piece of British history.”
Lawyer David Harris, who drew up the contract, said: “The Liverpool music scene exploded with the arrival of The Beatles, but when Brian Epstein asked me to draw up a contract for his management of them in December, 1961, no one I think, not even he, thought they would take off quite as they did.
“Thereafter, I drew up contracts for all his other groups and singers and for various other local groups as well, but none, however good they were, achieved anything near their outstanding success.
“Because of that, and his flair as a manager generally, Brian formed Nems Enterprises Limited with him as managing director, and The Beatles signed a further contract with that company which is the one now on display.”
Epstein famously created their smarter, suited look – a departure from the jeans and leather jackets they wore before – and managed the band until his death in 1967.
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