A brand new exhibition giving the most personal insight into the family life of John, Julian and Cynthia Lennon launches on Wednesday 17th June at The Beatles Story in Liverpool.

Through personal on-screen conversations, Julian and Cynthia take visitors on a journey through their family life – re-living the various phases of a story which begins in Liverpool in the band's early days, and ends with the tragic and untimely death of John Lennon.

In one of the key features of the exhibition, Cynthia recounts how she felt ostracised by The Beatles when her marriage to John broke down, and how she was left to look after their son Julian following the split. Paul McCartney, sympathetic to the emotions of Cynthia and her then five-year-old son Julian, wrote Hey Jude in order to console him during the divorce.

The lyrics for the multi-million selling chart topper were composed by McCartney on a car journey as he travelled to visit his fellow Beatle's wife and son. Originally titled ‘Hey Jules' for Julian, he later changed the wording to ‘Hey Jude' as it was easier to sing.

John Lennon is an idol to millions of people who grew up loving his music and ideals

Julian bought the notes at auction some years ago along with many of the other items in the exhibition in memory of his father. Other personal possessions, including Lennon's Honda ‘monkey bike' motorbike and an electric guitar inscribed with the message “To Julian from Daddy, Christmas 1973', will tell a 20-year tale of John Lennon's home life and music career.

Julian Lennon says: “‘John Lennon is an idol to millions of people who grew up loving his music and ideals, but to me he is the father I loved and lost. I hope this exhibition lets people see another aspect of his life and our time together as a family.”

The exhibition opens on Wednesday 17th June and runs at The Beatles Story (Albert Dock, Liverpool) until 31st December 2009.