Arty ways to enjoy the Mathew Street festival - Astrid Kirchherr and Paul Berriff's unseen photos

By Laura Davis on Aug 25, 10 12:06 PM in Pop and rock

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 


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Astrid Kirchherr and Stuart Sutcliffe in their Hamburg kitchen, copyright Astrid Kirchherr


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.


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Ringo Starr, George Harrison and Paul McCartney on holiday in Tenerife in 1963, copyright Astrid Kirchherr

 

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. 

 


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 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.

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I am the Egg Man, I am the Walrus by Granelli

1 Comments

Kenneth Lockerbie said:

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.

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LDP Arts Authors

Laura Davis

Laura Davis

As the Liverpool Post's Arts Editor, Laura covers theatre, music, dance and the visual arts in Merseyside and beyond. Contact her at laura.davis@liverpool.com
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