The first professional home recording studio in Europe, John Lennon’s Tittenhurst Park is celebrated in a new book series – Tittenhurst Park: History, Gardens & Architecture.
In this first volume, leading audio professionals and musicians share their stories of the studio, house, and famous gardens owned by John Lennon (1969-1971) and then Ringo Starr (1971-1988) who updated the studio: ‘I wanted to capture the stories that other books don’t,’ says author Scott Cardinal. ‘This book does not focus on the life of John Lennon, but rather the house, the grounds and the precious stories of those who worked there.’
The studio at Tittenhurst Park built and designed by acoustician Eddie Veale, and was the birthplace of Lennon’s Imagine album in 1971. When bought by Ringo Starr, it became Startling Studios and hosted session with the likes of T-Rex, Judas Priest, Squeeze, Whitesnake and Def Leppard.
Those who contributed to the book include engineer/producer Tom Allom, composer Mike O’Donnell, Audient founder David Dearden, acoustician Eddie Veale and other luminaries.
‘I was fortunate to work with so many wonderful people while writing this book,’ Cardinal says. ‘It tells the never-before-told stories of creative and famous musicians who were inspired to record some of their most creative songs in this unique residential recording complex.’
‘The history of Tittenhurst Park is fascinating,’ he continues. ‘And because it was the location of The Beatles’ last photo session, it is also a pop culture landmark. We wanted people to know much more about it. I am very much looking forward to touring the UK with the book later this year to tell some of its unique stories.’
