Sunday 18 July 1971 | Tittenhurst Park, Ascot, England
On 18 July 1971, John Lennon and Yoko Ono continued filming material for their feature film Imagine at Tittenhurst Park, their home in Ascot, England. At this stage the film carried the working title Your Show.
Imagine Peace — the message that endures
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The Tittenhurst Park Filming
The filming on 18 July centred on Tittenhurst Park’s grand entrance. Lennon and Ono were repeatedly filmed walking to the front door of their house, with a smoke machine creating the illusion of mist around them. The cameras also lingered on the sign above the door, which read:
“THIS IS NOT HERE”
This sequence later formed the opening of the music video for the song Imagine, one of the most recognisable images in rock history. The misty approach to the white mansion became an iconic visual shorthand for Lennon’s utopian vision.
The Imagine Film
The feature film Imagine was a documentary-style film directed by Lennon and Ono, capturing the recording of the Imagine album and life at Tittenhurst Park. It featured performances, interviews, and surrealist sequences that reflected Ono’s conceptual art background. The film was released in 1972 and is considered one of the finest rock films of its era.
Tittenhurst Park — a Georgian mansion in Sunninghill, Ascot — was purchased by Lennon in 1969 and served as his home and creative base until he moved to New York City in September 1971. The property was later sold to Ringo Starr in 1973.
For the dreamers
Officially licensed John Lennon Imagine Peace ladies T-shirt.
Session Details
| Date | Sunday 18 July 1971 |
| Location | Tittenhurst Park, Ascot, England |
| Subjects | John Lennon and Yoko Ono |
| Working title | Your Show |
| Released as | Imagine (1972) |
| Sequence filmed | Lennon and Ono walking to front door through artificial mist; “THIS IS NOT HERE” sign |
| Used in | Opening sequence of the Imagine music video |
Tittenhurst Park, Ascot — John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s home from 1969 to 1971, and the location of the Imagine film and music video.
John Lennon — the man, the music, the legacy
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the Imagine music video filmed?
The Imagine music video was filmed at Tittenhurst Park, John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s home in Ascot, England. The iconic opening sequence — showing Lennon and Ono walking through mist to the front door — was filmed on 18 July 1971.
What was the working title of the Imagine film?
The Imagine film had the working title Your Show during production in 1971. It was released as Imagine in 1972.
What does the sign "THIS IS NOT HERE" mean?
“THIS IS NOT HERE” was a sign above the front door of Tittenhurst Park, reflecting Yoko Ono’s conceptual art philosophy. It appeared in the opening sequence of the Imagine music video and was also the title of a major Yoko Ono art exhibition held at the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse, New York in October 1971.
Who owned Tittenhurst Park after John Lennon?
John Lennon sold Tittenhurst Park to Ringo Starr in 1973, after Lennon had relocated permanently to New York City in September 1971. Starr used the property as his home and recording studio for many years.
When was the Imagine film released?
The Imagine film was released in 1972. It documented the recording of the Imagine album and life at Tittenhurst Park, and is considered one of the finest rock films of its era.
→ 18 July in Beatles History
→ July in Beatles History
→ John Lennon: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ Paul McCartney: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ George Harrison: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ Ringo Starr: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ The Beatles Knowledge Hub
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