Rare and Never Before Seen Photographs of The Beatles Come to Shapero Modern

New photographs of the internationally renowned rock band The Beatles will be shown in Mayfairʼs Shapero Modern this December. Incredibly rare and never before seen, the photographs were taken by Lord Christopher Thynne on the set of A Hard Day's Night, the band's first film. For fifty-seven years, the negatives remained undeveloped, but now these re-discovered photographs will re-invigorate Beatlemania.

Showing quieter moments of the band between the international adoration, Thynne also explored himself through these rare photographs. They were taken during the spring of 1964, following the band's first US tour, and show all four band members - John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison.

 A Hard Day's Night

The famous film, A Hard Day's Night, capturing 36 hours in the life of The Beatles in preparation for their performance on television, was a backdrop for Christopher Thynne's photos of the band. The musical comedy that was filming at the time profiled the band at the peak of their fame. Invited by his friend, Christopher Thynne joined the crew and took the photos of The Beatles during their stay at Les Ambassadeurs Club in Mayfair and on the platform at Marylebone Station.

The film is one of the most influential music films ever made, but Thynne's effortless photos of the 'famous four' show an even greater insight into the life of the famous band, their everyday work, and casual time. Shapero Modern Director, Tabitha Philpott-Kent, praised the opportunity to have these amazing photos revealed to viewers and admirers again after a long time and emphasized their importance. 

It’s an amazing opportunity to see a rare collection of important, never-seen-before images.

Lord Christopher Thynne and The Beatles

Lord Christopher Thynne (1934 – 2017) was a colourful son of the 6th Marquess of Bath and former proprietor of the UK's famed Longleat Safari Park. He was a well-connected person, so the invitation to join The Beatles on the set of their film is not a surprise. Thynne led a bohemian lifestyle, but in his later years he settled as a comptroller of the Longleat estate. 

After joining the film crew as a visitor, he started taking photos of the band that show a more intimate atmosphere than the film. Thynne was able to capture the band members in moments of reflection, interaction with others, and partying with a sense of immediacy that goes beyond the popular frenzy and Beatlemania of the times.

The Beatles at Shapero Modern

The exhibition The Beatles will be on view at Shapero Modern in London from December 9th until January 16th, 2022. It is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, and from 11 am to 5 pm on Saturday. The entry is free. The newly discovered images will be on sale for £400-£650 ($530-860) for a limited time only. They are available in two sizes but strictly limited to 35 of each. 

Featured image: Lord Christopher Thynne - The Beatles in the walled garden of Les Ambassadeurs Club, Mayfair I. London: S H Editions, 17 April 1964/2021 © 2021 Shapero Modern