Arty ways to enjoy the Mathew Street festival - Astrid Kirchherr and Paul Berriff's unseen photos
WITH the Mathew Street Festival and Beatles Week approaching, Liverpool is Fab Four-tastic at the moment. It's not all mop tops and tribute acts though. Here are some arty ways to get into the Beatles mood...
1. Astrid Kirchherr's retrospective at the Victoria Gallery and Museum
This show marries the German photographer's famous images of The Beatles in Hamburg with pictures depicting her own life at the time. The photographs sit well in this white space, which resembles an artist's garrett - yes, I'm getting a bit carried away here but it really is a beautiful exhibition.
As well as the ones of Kirchherr looking all Bridget Bardo, my favourites are those of the band sunning themselves in Spain - in long-sleeved shirts buttoned all the way up to the neck, very Brits abroad. Among the most interesting are the portraits of Stuart Sutcliffe, The Beatles' original bass player, who was engaged to Kirchherr when he died of a brain haemorrhage in 1962.
2. The Beatles Hidden Gallery at the Beatles Story, Pier Head
Photographer Paul Berriff unearthed a box of negatives in his loft to discover they were his pictures of The Beatles on tour in 1963-64. There are 38 black and white images on display so you get your moneys worth.
3. Come Together at the Liverpool Academy of Arts
Each August the Seel Street gallery holds an open exhibition for local artists to submit their Beatles-related works. This year's show includes pieces inspired by the group's songs, lives and philosophies, as well as their physical appearance.

I don't think that is Stuart Sutcliffe in that top picture. Perhaps it is Gibson Kemp, who Astrid married a few years after Stuart died.