Beatles and Rolling Stones negatives go under the hammer

A group of original negatives featuring some of the world's greatest pop and rock icons is to be auctioned at Addison's Autumn Catalogue Sale on Saturday 7 September.

Dating from the 1960s and 1970s, the negatives capture stage shots and informal moments with legendary bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Rod Stewart, The Jacksons and Cliff Richard. The collection also includes images of other celebrities and stars of the silver screen, such as Liberace, Julie Andrews and Shirley Maclaine.

Divided into 25 separate lots, the majority of the images are the work of the late photographer Philip Gotlop and are believed to be unpublished. Known as the doyen of the early British pop scene, Gotlop was hired by John Dean on behalf of Brian Epstein to photograph the Beatles at Abbey Road studios in July 1963 and he continued to photograph the British pop and rock 'establishment' throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
Richard Edwards, Senior Auctioneer and Valuer at Addisons, has been cataloguing the collection, which contains several hundred separate images. "These shots are absolutely fascinating. As well as stage performances, they also capture those 'off the record' moments of the stars rehearsing, travelling or at leisure, which gives us an amazing insight into their everyday lives.

"Lot 6, for example, is a group of six black and white negatives showing The Beatles in the departure lounge for a Pan Am flight ordering from the Maxim's menu, smoking, drinking and signing autographs for the chef and flight staff."

Four of the 25 lots feature the work of an unknown photographer and depict amongst others The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart and The Who. Amongst these images are George Harrison at his 21st birthday party, John Lennon and Yoko Ono at London airport in 1971 and Shirley Eaton in full gold make up for James Bond's 'Goldfinger' at Pinewood Studios.

"As far as we know none of these images have ever been used commercially or have appeared in any publications," said Richard Edwards. "They will be of great interest to any music historians, fans, or those just wanting to own a bit of stardom."

The lots are divided into themed groups of negatives and slides and have price estimates ranging from £50-70 to £300-500. They are featured in the sale catalogue, which can be viewed online at www.addisons-auctioneers.co.uk, together with many other fine objects – ranging from ceramics and glassware through to rugs, textiles and antique furniture – making up the Autumn Catalogue Sale.

The sale itself starts at 10.00am on Saturday 7 September and bidding can be made in person, online or via the telephone. The contents of the sale can be viewed on Thursday 5 September 10.00am – 7.00pm and Friday 6 September 10.00am – 4.30pm; as well as from 8.30am on the morning of the sale.

For further details of the Philip Gotlop negatives or any other items in the sale, please contact Addisons on 01833 690545 or email info@addisons-auctioneers.co.uk