The Beatles Hidden Gallery at Beatles Story (Pier Head) from August 2010
A ‘hidden gallery’ of Beatles photos discovered by a photographer in his attic after almost 50 years are on display at the Beatles Story Pier Head, Liverpool from 25th August 2010. Thirty eight black and white shots of the Fab 4 on tour with singer Helen Shapiro which were taken between 1963-64, were unearthed by photographer Paul Berriff in the attic of his home.
The images show John, Paul, Ringo and George in unguarded moments, rehearsing on stage, smoking in their dressing room and relaxing with drinks and snacks.
They were snapped by Berriff after he was given unlimited access to the band just months before Beatlemania gripped the world. After that, security was so tight around the Fab 4 that just a handful of authorised photographers had access to the band.
Paul Berriff, who shot the images while working as a 16-year-old editorial assistant on the Yorkshire Evening Post and is now a BAFTA award-winning photographer and documentary maker, says the photographs called ‘The Beatles Hidden Gallery’, will have found their rightful home when they are unveiled at the Beatles Story, Pier Head on August 24.
The images are unseen, other than a short spell at London’s Menier Gallery in April when they were on show to the public for just four days. They will be on permanent display at The Beatles Story where they are expected to generate keen interest from the thousands of people who visit the attraction from across the globe. Entry to the Beatles ‘Hidden Gallery’ will be free of charge.
Jerry Goldman, MD of The Beatles Story, said: “We are delighted that these unique images are going to have a home at the Beatles Story. They are very revealing photos as they picture the Beatles in unguarded moments fooling around, sharing a snack and relaxing and I’m confident that our visitors will love them.
“Although they were on display in London in April, they were only on show to the public for a very short space of time. Many more people will be able to view these photos in all their glory here and they are a welcome addition to the Beatles Story, and all that we have to offer.”
Paul Berriff, who had taken his girlfriend along to the Beatles gigs to take his pictures, said: “I started to root around in my attic and I found this box of about 800 negs (negatives) and in it were shots of these old pop groups in ’63. I was absolutely knocked out when I saw the quality and realised I should do something with them.
“I feel that the photographs are coming home to Liverpool and the Beatles Story is the most fitting place to have the images on show.”
The shots were taken at venues such as the ABC Cinema in Huddersfield, the Odeon in Leeds and the Apollo in Manchester. Paul Berriff has fond memories of the time he spent with the Beatles and got on particularly well with Paul.
The images are also available for sale with each of the 38 individual photos being produced in a limited edition run of 49, each signed by the photographer.