To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Robert Whitaker's first photo session with The Beatles and the band’s first hysteria-soaked US tour, Proud Chelsea presents The Beatles: Inside and Out. This exhibition is a testament to Whitaker’s unobtrusive approach to photography and offers a candid portrait of one of the greatest and most influential bands at a time of great change; 1964-1966.

Whitaker was swept into the band's entourage after gaining Epstein’s trust when they met during The Beatles 1964 Australia tour. The young photographer initially turned The Beatles manager down when offered the job of photographing the band but he reconsidered after seeing them perform. Whitaker went on to both influence and document the band’s transformation from the floppy-haired Fab Four to a band who were willing to take risks and court controversy. Whitaker became a friend and confidante to the band and these relationships led to the most iconic and enduring photographs of The Beatles ever published.

The exhibition features George Harrison whilst filming "Way Out" in London’s Chiswick Park in 1966 alongside the back cover sleeve of “Revolver”, the group's landmark 1966 LP. Whitaker is also responsible for the infamous “Yesterday and Today” aka the “butcher cover” depicting The Beatles clutching joints of raw meat and decapitated children's dolls. John Lennon stated; “It was inspired by our boredom and resentment at having to do another photo session and another Beatles thing. We were sick to death of it. Bob was into Dali and making surreal pictures." Whitaker had originally intended the photograph to be a surreal, satirical pop art observation of the bands fame but the repercussions caused world-wide controversy and EMI quickly withdrew the cover from circulation.

Whitaker’s unlimited access to the most popular band in the world went on to define a generation. The Beatles trusted and believed in his vision. Whitaker's images captured The Beatles in moments of happiness and humour, boredom and fatigue, mischief and creativity. Proud Chelsea is thrilled to present this powerful exhibition, showing the multiple facets of the band that changed Rock 'n' Roll forever.

Proud Chelsea Gallery

161 King's Road, Chelsea
London SW3 5XP United Kingdom
Ph. +44 (0) 20 73490822
info@proudgalleries.co.uk
www.proud.co.uk

Opening hours

Monday - Sunday
From 10am to 7pm

Related images
  1. The Beatles, 1966, Chiswick Park. Photo: Robert Whitaker
  2. The Beatles at a Hotel in Perthshire, Scotland, October, 1964. Photo: Robert Whitaker
  3. Chiswick Park, 1966. Photo: Robert Whitaker
  4. Rehearsal, Location unknown, 1965. Photo: Robert Whitaker
  5. Cliveden during the filming of “Help". Photo: Robert Whitaker
  6. Rehearsal, Location Unknown, 1965. Photo: Robert Whitaker