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130.
Original ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ promotional poster.
London: EMI, c. May/June 1967. Offset. 45.5x63.5cm. Reads (in part): ‘New Beatles LP Here Now’.
Prints Michael Cooper’s colour portrait of the Beatles wearing their Sgt. Pepper costumes, taken at Chelsea Manor Studios on Flood street in Chelsea on March 30, 1967.
Cooper made a series of portrait photos of the band at the suggestion of Robert Fraser, and it was this shot that was chosen for the sleeve’s centrespread, as well as for this promo poster, intended for display in record shops.
Years later, Paul McCartney told Barry Miles how they were interested in “eye messages” at the time, explaining that “with Michael Cooper’s inside photo, we all said, ‘Now look into the camera and really say I Love you!’. Really try and feel love, really give love through this! It’ll come out, it’ll show, it’s an attitude.’ And that’s what that is, if you look at it you’ll see the big effort from the eyes” (Many Years From Now, p.345).
Two closed tears to lower edge (3cm. and 1.5cm.); two closed tears to left edge (3cm. and 0.5cm.); old corner tack holes; small loss to lower left corner; a little superficial creasing and light handling wear. Overall, a Very Good plus copy, with colours still rich and vibrant.
“Sgt. Pepper” was released on June 1, 1967, and famously provided the soundtrack for the summer and beyond, while, uniquely, its sleeve attracted almost as much attention as the record itself. As Beatles historian Mark Lewisohn has noted: “With Sgt. Pepper it was as if the Beatles were suddenly stepping out of black-and-white and into full-blown, glorious colour.”.
Price:
£3,500.00
