Rearview Mirror: The Beatles' Journey Through the Lens of Paul McCartney
In 1963, the Beatles were on the brink of stardom, touring the UK and Paris before heading to America. Paul McCartney captured these moments with his Pentax camera, and now these rare photos are on display at the Gagosian in Davies Street. The exhibition, titled Rearview Mirror: Liverpool-London-Paris, showcases never-before-seen images from McCartney's personal archive, some of which were thought lost but rediscovered during the pandemic. The photos, many designed by McCartney himself, offer a unique glimpse into the band's life before their iconic trip to the US.
McCartney's passion for photography is evident in these images, as seen in previous exhibitions at the National Portrait Gallery and the De Young Museum. The current collection features backstage shots of the band at various venues in London and Paris, capturing the moments leading up to their historic journey to New York. The images, some in color, show a relaxed and intimate side of the band, offering a fresh perspective on their early days.
The exhibition presents a mix of blown-up images and original contact sheets, providing a detailed look at the band's behind-the-scenes moments. From George Harrison napping in the car to John Lennon's reflective gaze in the mirror, each photo tells a story of a band on the cusp of fame. There are also candid shots of the band interacting with fans and the press, adding to the overall atmosphere of the exhibition.
One of the standout images is a selfie taken by McCartney in the attic room where he composed the melody for "Yesterday," adding a poignant touch to the collection. As visitors explore the exhibition, they can immerse themselves in the band's journey and witness the evolution of the Beatles before they became global icons.