Exhibition, National Portrait Gallery London, 28th June 2023 – 1st October 2023
Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm

Header image: John and George, Paris 1964
© 1964 Paul McCartney

When Beatlemania hit the 60s, it’s hard to imagine how it felt from the perspective of the band members. But this new exhibition gives an insight into Paul McCartney’s view of the world around him, and shows a keen eye for a good shot. Over 250 previously unseen photos taken by Paul with his own Pentax camera are on display now at the National Portrait Gallery until the start of October. From candid shots of his fellow band members to capturing the press as they captured him, the gallery offers the opportunity to see things from the other side of one of the most well documented stages of his career.

Photographers, Central Park, New York, February 1964
© 1964 Paul McCartney

Excerpt from the press release here:

“Millions of eyes were suddenly upon us, creating a picture I will never forget for the rest of my life” – Paul McCartney, 2023.

Self-portraits in a mirror, Paris, 1964
© 1964 Paul McCartney

‘While the exhibition’s narrative represents just four short months, McCartney’s photographs chronologically document the experiences of the band on their travels – from the grainy black and white portraits taken backstage in Liverpool, rehearsing musicians at a recording studio in Paris, wintry Manhattan skylines, to the gleaming colour shots of Miami Beach in the sunshine. The earliest images in the exhibition date from November 1963, just as Beatlemania was gripping the nation, and culminate with photographs taken in February 1964, during the final days of the band’s first triumphant trip to ‘conquer’ America. Indeed, the group’s appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show on 9 February 1964 was watched by an unequalled television audience of 73 million people, transforming The Beatles into global superstars and redefining fame in the modern era’.

George looking young, handsome and relaxed.
Living the life. Miami Beach, February 1964
© 1964 Paul McCartney

The crowds chasing us in A Hard Day’s Night were based on moments like this.
Taken out of the back of our car on West Fifty-Eight,
crossing the Avenue of the Americas, New York, February 1964
©1964 Paul McCartney

An accompanying book of photographs and reflections by Paul McCartney. 1964: Eyes of the Storm, is available now via Penguin Press in the UK and via WW Norton in the US.

Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm runs from 28th June – 1st October 2023.

All images and exhibition details are reproduced with permission from The National Portrait Gallery and are copyrighted as listed. You can find further details including opening times, ticket prices and concessions on their website.

The National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place, London, WC2H 0HE (entrances are located on St Martin’s Place and Charing Cross Road). 

Intro by Siobhan

Published 13th July 2023