Stuart Sutcliffe had a 'mischievous character'

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Your chance to read Stuart Sutcliffe's school reports revealing he had a 'mischievous character'
BY CATHERINE JONES
23 JUN 2016

'Fifth Beatle' had a mischievous and 'some imagination' said teachers in school reports going on display at Liverpool's  Beatles Story


Stuart Sutcliffe
Mirrorpix

Fifth Beatle Stuart Sutcliffe has a ‘mischievous’ character according to his old school masters.

The late musician and artist’s school report card has gone on display at The Beatles Story to coincide with what would have been his 76th birthday today.

He died of a brain haemorrhage in Hamburg in 1962 aged just 21.

Stuart Sutcliffe was a pupil at Prescot Grammar School from 1951-56, but his academic ability didn’t all together impress teachers, with one describing him as possessing ‘some imagination but little evidence of future distinction’.


Fifth Beatle Stuart Sutcliffe was a pupil at Prescot Grammar School in the 1950s.

The Edinburgh-born youngster had previously attended Park View Primary before moving on to Prescot Grammar School, now named The Prescot School.

After leaving at 16, he went on to study at Liverpool College of Art where he was introduced to a certain John Winston Lennon by future Mersey Beat founder Bill Harry.

Lennon encouraged Stuart to buy a guitar with money made from the sale of one of his paintings and he became the Beatles’ first bassist.


A former teacher recalls Stuart Sutcliffe as a pupil at Prescot Grammar School. On show at The Beatles Story

While in Germany, Stuart met and fell in love with photographer Astrid Kirchherr, and in 1961 he left the Beatles to study art under renowned sculptor Eduardo Paolozzi.

Paul Stanley, deputy head at The Prescot School, said: “We discovered the report card in our archives and thought it a suitable piece of history to share with The Beatles Story.

“The Beatles undoubtedly remain a source of inspiration to pupils and also offer a gateway to many educational areas including music, history and art, which it has been great to experience today.”

Martin King of The Beatles Story added: “We are delighted to introduce the school report to the exhibition.


Stuart Sutcliffe's school report card from Prescot Grammar School. Now on show at The Beatles Story.

“The notes provided by a former teacher on the back of the report card make it clear that while Stuart wasn’t necessarily the most academic pupil, from an early age he was considered to have an artistic streak and was happily involved with the arts.

“It’s a truly interesting piece and will sit along many other artefacts from the band’s younger years.”

The school report will be on display at the Albert Dock attraction until May 2019.




Stuart Sutcliffe singing Love Me Tender