The Beatles Abbey Road, Album Cover Session, August 8, 1969, Portfolio of Seven Chromogenic Color Photographs, Edi...

Description

The Beatles Abbey Road, Album Cover Session, August 8, 1969, Portfolio of Seven Chromogenic Color Photographs, Edition No. 8/25, by Iain MacMillan. Original set of seven chromogenic color prints on archival paper, this being No. 8 of 25, of the Beatles Abbey Road album cover session, August 8, 1969, by Iain Macmillan, signed and numbered by the photographer in white metallic ink at the lower margin, each unframed and unopened in original white paper wrapping with masking closure in a red cloth Folio 20" x 24" clamshell box, each uncropped film exposure print measuring 11.75" x 14", 12" x 13.75", 12" x 13.75", 12" x 13.25", 12" x 13.25", 12" x 13.25", and (unaltered version without "Beatles" or song title text) 12" x 13.25". Very Fine/Excellent, with light abrasions to the folio box cover. Cover box in Very Good condition with wear and name plate missing. Photographs were unopened, in original mat boards and wrapping, prior to photographing for this lot description. They were handled with white gloves and carefully removed from their wrapping. While the secondary market shows several single prints, sales of complete sets are virtually unknown, much less unopened in original wrapping.

On August 8, 1969, Iain Macmillan, a close friend of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, ascended a ladder in the middle of Abbey Road based on the diagram sketch (facsimile included in Folio set) by Paul McCartney and, within ten minutes, took six photographs of the Beatles striding across the zebra crossing. The fifth of his six shots, selected by Paul McCartney, would become the full-bleed front cover for the Beatles' last-recorded album. With his Hasselblad 2.25 camera storing the six images, Macmillan set off to photograph a road sign to use as the back cover, but while photographing the sign on Alexandra Road, a young girl in a blue dress walked through the frame, now seen in the classic back cover.

Abbey Road released September 26th, 1969 boasted some of their most intricate melodies, harmonies, and instrumental arrangements, and also heralded the arrival of Harrison as a composer of equal talent to Lennon and McCartney. Abbey Road was the final Beatles album to be recorded but not their last to be released. Be sure and do not miss this opportunity to add this seldom seen portfolio to the collection. COA from Heritage Auctions.

Heritage Auctions provides as much information as possible but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of fact, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted but may be visible in the photos, which are considered part of the condition report. Lots estimated at $1,000 or less are not de-framed for inspection, and we may be unable to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and is not liable for damage to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or artwork that has shifted in the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" under our Terms & Conditions of Auction.