Thelma Pickles / McGough, Liverpool Beatleweek 2025 (Part Two)

This is part two of my transcription of Thelma McGough’s interview with Mark Lewisohn, which took place during International Beatle Week in Liverpool last August.

Thelma's photo of John (top left) and other art students taken on Gambier Terrace. Mature trees now obliterate the view of Liverpool Institute,  seen top right on the c.1958 photo.

There Is a Light that Never goes Out

'Mendips'
251 Menlove Avenue,

Woolton, Liverpool 25

9th October 2025

It’s become something of a tradition for the National Trust to mark John’s birthday by leaving his bedroom light on after the last visitors have left for the day.

Seeing an old grainy photo I took of the house resurface on social media today inspired me to drive over to 'Mendips' tonight to capture some fresh shots.

I wasn’t expecting to find a group of fans there, but I did. Sometimes you think you’re the only one with the idea.

Happy 85th Birthday, John. 

Thelma Pickles McGough, Liverpool Beatleweek 2025

A great portrait of Thelma I found during the research for this blog

[artist: Marta Ponce]