Liverpool John Moores University is renaming its Art and Design Academy in honour of Beatles legend John Lennon, marking his links with the institution.
Yoko Ono, who has been involved with the University for several years and especially through the John Lennon Imagine Awards, gave permission for her late husband’s name to be used, saying she was “touched” by the dedication.
The newly-named John Lennon Art and Design Building, which is situated next to the Catholic Cathedral just off Mount Pleasant, was rebuilt in 2008.
Ahead of next semester it will also feature the iconic self-portrait line drawing that can be seen at Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport.
Before gaining worldwide fame and adulation with The Beatles, Lennon attended art school at another of LJMU’s buildings, located a short walk away at 68 Hope Street.
Yoko Ono said: “John studied at the University when it was the College of Art and it provided the springboard for so many influential aspects of his life. When the University approached me about naming the building after John I was so touched.
“I was there when the building was planned and have watched its progress with great interest. It is an enormously fitting tribute to John and our shared connections with LJMU.”
The John Lennon Art and Design Building, which is hosting one of LJMU’s open days for prospective students today, will be rebranded during the summer.
LJMU’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Nigel Weatherill, said: “I’m delighted and personally grateful to Yoko Ono for allowing us to name the building after John Lennon.
“It’s a tribute not just to John Lennon and all that he achieved but also to Yoko, who is so committed to John’s hometown and inspiring the young people who live and study here to achieve their dreams.
“We are extremely thankful for all the support she has shown the University and our students over the years.”
Curtis Reid, President of the LJMU Students’ Union, said: “This is just fantastic. John Lennon was a student at this University, he was one of us and he is such an inspiration. Now, future generations of students will know that they are following in his footsteps – it’s really exciting.”