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John Lennon; Paul McCartney; Pete Best; George Harrison

80 of 80 portraits of John Lennon

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John Lennon; Paul McCartney; Pete Best; George Harrison

by Mike McCartney
bromide print, early 1960s
11 in. x 10 7/8 in. (278 mm x 275 mm)
Purchased, 2001
Photographs Collection
NPG x88785

Sittersback to top

  • Peter Randolph ('Pete') Best (1941-), Musician; drummer for The Beatles. Sitter in 3 portraits.
  • George Harrison (1943-2001), Musician; member of The Beatles. Sitter in 68 portraits.
  • John Lennon (1940-1980), Musician; co-founder and singer for The Beatles. Sitter in 80 portraits, Artist of 2 portraits.
  • Sir (James) Paul McCartney (1942-), Musician and member of The Beatles and Wings. Sitter in 78 portraits, Artist of 1 portrait.

Artistback to top

This portraitback to top

MARCEL MARCEAU JOHN, RAMBO PAUL, GOON PETE AND NIPPLE SHOOTING GEORGE: Taken after a sweaty New Brighton Tower Ballroom gig, this image shows what spontaneous, hopeful, fun-loving Liverpool lads they really were, but I hope John put that ciggy out properly, as some years later the Tower Ballroom burned to the ground...leaving just a grassy knoll!

Caption originates from Remember: The Recollections and Photographs of Mike McCartney, 1992

Placesback to top

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1960back to top

Current affairs

Prince Andrew is born, the third child of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip.
The Contraceptive Pill is introduced in England, dramatically changing the nation's approach to sex and relationships, and significantly contributing to the 1960s culture of liberation.

Art and science

Penguin books defend D.H. Lawrence's Lady Chatterley's Lover against charges of obscenity by demonstrating that the novel was of literary merit. The 'not guilty' verdict was seen as a victory for free speech and marked the beginning if a new era of liberalism.
The satirical review Beyond the Fringe launches the careers of Alan Bennett, Peter Cook, Dudley Moore and Jonathan Miller.

International

Harold Macmillan delivers his 'wind of change' speech to the South African Parliament in Cape Town, announcing Britain's decision to grant independence to many of her colonies. The speech recognised the emergence of African nationalism, and criticised the policy of Apartheid in South Africa.

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