Paul McCartney: Rearview Mirror — Liverpool, London, Paris
Gagosian will open its doors on 28 August to present Rearview Mirror: Liverpool–London–Paris, an exhibition of photographs taken by Paul McCartney between December 1963 and February 1964.
These images, captured on McCartney’s own 35mm Pentax camera, offer an intimate glimpse into the early days of The Beatles as they transitioned from local hopefuls to national stars.
The collection spans key moments including the band’s autumn 1963 UK tour — their first as headliners — appearances on BBC’s Juke Box Jury, the Beatles Christmas Show at Finsbury Park Astoria, and their residency at Paris’s Olympia Theatre. The photographs are notable for their candidness, showing not only the public performances but also the quiet, in-between moments backstage and in transit.
John backstage at the London Palladium, 12 January 1964
Each print has been carefully remastered from original negatives and contact sheets, some of which were believed lost for decades. McCartney himself has signed every piece, which are presented in custom frames designed by the artist. The exhibition offers a unique perspective, seen through the eyes of McCartney as both participant and observer.
At London Airport (with Brian Epstein, Mal Evans, and Neil Aspinall) for Pan Am flight 101 to New York City, 7 February 1964
This show follows McCartney’s earlier presentation at Gagosian Beverly Hills and runs alongside the touring exhibition Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm, currently on display at the de Young Museum in San Francisco until 5 October 2025.
The exhibition will be open daily from 10am to 6pm.
Venue: Gagosian, 17–19 Davies Street, London SW3 4RY
Website: https://gagosian.com/
Elena Leo is the Culture & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.