Gagosian to exhibit photographs taken by Paul McCartney during early rise of Beatlemania
Gagosian London is set to open an extraordinary exhibition titled Rearview Mirror: Liverpool–London–Paris on 28 August 2025, showcasing rare photographs taken by Paul McCartney during the early surge of Beatlemania. Captured on his personal 35mm Pentax camera between late 1963 and early 1964, these images offer a unique, intimate glimpse of The Beatles just as their fame began to explode beyond Liverpool and Hamburg. The exhibition presents a chance to acquire signed photographs directly from McCartney’s personal archive, framed with his own bespoke design.
Paul McCartney, George, Ringo, and John backstage at The Beatles Christmas Show, Finsbury Park Astoria, December 1963. © Paul McCartney. Courtesy Gagosian
The photographs reveal candid backstage moments and everyday scenes as The Beatles toured the UK and Paris during key events such as their first headline tour, the record-breaking BBC appearance on Juke Box Jury, and their residency at the Olympia Theatre in Paris. McCartney’s images provide an insider’s perspective on the band’s camaraderie and coolness, captured with natural candour. One particularly striking self-portrait to be featured is McCartney reflected in a mirror at his London attic room, where he famously composed the melody for “Yesterday.”
This London show follows McCartney’s debut photographic presentation at Gagosian Beverly Hills earlier in 2025, and runs alongside the touring exhibition Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm, which has already been seen at the National Portrait Gallery in London and currently continues its international tour.
Paul McCartney. At London Airport (with Brian Epstein, Mal Evans, and Neil Aspinall) for Pan Am flight 101 to New York City, 7 February 1964 © Paul McCartney. Courtesy Gagosian
Born in Liverpool in 1942, McCartney’s lifelong passion for art and photography was shaped early on by family influences and the creative milieu surrounding The Beatles. His work as a photographer and artist connects him to major cultural figures and movements of the 1960s and beyond.
Date: 28 August – 4 October 2025. Location: Gagosian Gallery, 17–19 Davies Street, London W1K 3DE. gagosian.com
