The Beatles (Ringo Starr, John Lennon, George Harrison, Paul McCartney)

The Beatles (Ringo Starr, John Lennon, George Harrison, Paul McCartney), by Robert Whitaker, October 1964 - NPG P1348 - © Robert Whitaker

© Robert Whitaker

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The Beatles (Ringo Starr, John Lennon, George Harrison, Paul McCartney)

by Robert Whitaker
gelatin silver print, October 1964
15 3/4 in. x 14 7/8 in. (400 mm x 379 mm)
Purchased with help from Gift Aid visitor ticket donations, 2009
Primary Collection
NPG P1348

Sittersback to top

  • George Harrison (1943-2001), Musician; member of The Beatles. Sitter in 62 portraits.
  • John Lennon (1940-1980), Musician; co-founder and singer for The Beatles. Sitter in 73 portraits, Artist of 2 portraits.
  • Sir (James) Paul McCartney (1942-), Musician and member of The Beatles and Wings. Sitter in 69 portraits.
  • Ringo Starr (Richard Starkey) (1940-), Musician; drummer for The Beatles. Sitter associated with 53 portraits.

Artistback to top

  • Robert Whitaker (1939-2011), Photographer. Artist associated with 16 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1964back to top

Current affairs

Harold Wilson narrowly wins the general election for the Labour Party, the first of his four election victories.
Peter Allen and Gwynne Evans become the last people to be executed in the United Kingdom before capital punishment was abolished in 1965.
The Sun newspaper replaces the Daily Herald.

Art and science

Top of the Pops begins its rein as the longest running television music show. The first broadcast was presented by Jimmy Savile and included the Rolling Stones, Dusty Springfield, The Hollies and The Beatles, who were the show's first number 1 with I Want to Hold Your Hand.

International

The Civil Rights Act is passed in the USA, outlawing discrimination based on race, colour, religion, sex or national origin. The Act abolished the 'Jim Crow Laws' in the Southern States, making forced segregation illegal.
After spending two years in prison Nelson Mandela is sentenced to Life in Prison for the crimes of sabotage and crimes equivalent to treason against the Republic of South Africa.

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