John Lennon; Paul McCartney; Pete Best; George Harrison

1 portrait of John Lennon

Image currently unavailable owing to copyright restrictions

 Like voting
is closed

Thanks for Liking

Please Like other favourites!
If they inspire you please support our work.

Make a donation Close

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 78 portraits.
  • John Lennon (1940-1980), Musician; co-founder and singer for The Beatles. Sitter in 90 portraits, Artist or producer of 2 portraits.
  • Sir (James) Paul McCartney (1942-), Musician and member of The Beatles and Wings. Sitter in 88 portraits, Artist or producer 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

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 revue 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.

Comments back to top

We are currently unable to accept new comments, but any past comments are available to read below.

If you need information from us, please use our Archive enquiry service . Please note that we cannot provide valuations. You can buy a print or greeting card of most illustrated portraits. Select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Buy a Print button. Prices start at around £6 for unframed prints, £16 for framed prints. If you wish to license an image, select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Use this image button, or contact our Rights and Images service. We digitise over 8,000 portraits a year and we cannot guarantee being able to digitise images that are not already scheduled.