Paul McCartney’s Personal Archive: Brooklyn Museum Announces New Exhibition

With his Pentax film camera, Paul McCartney immortalised the shift in music history during The Beatles' first U.S. tour in 1963–64. The exhibition titled ' Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm,'  offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the rise of Beatlemania. Having made its debut at the National Portrait Gallery in London, the exhibition now takes centre stage at the Brooklyn Museum, starting May 3 2024.

The photographs within the exhibition not only spotlight McCartney’s versatility as an artist, but are also a nod to the nonchalance of the 1960s. Within each frame, one can spot a reference to French New Wave and photojournalism.  McCartney's lens transforms the photographs into a family album, while capturing the moments that defined the lives of John Lennon, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and McCartney himself. It truly is an archive of the 1960s and showcases the expanse of McCartney’s influences.

Paul McCartney. Self-portrait, London, 1963. Pigmented inkjet print. © 1964 Paul McCartney

The exhibition also charts years and moments spent in New York. Director of Curatorial Affairs and Senior Curator of Decorative Arts, Catherine Cutter, comments, ‘Since first arriving in New York in February 1964, Paul McCartney has built a strong, everlasting connection to the city. His vibrant photographs from The Beatles’ first visit capture the energy of the city, the excitement of the American fans, and the frenzy of the band’s status as celebrities. Yet the images also record The Beatles’ fun and delight with each other. Through McCartney’s lens, we feel the intensity of being at the centre of such extraordinary events,’.

Make sure to not miss this exhibition. Find more about it here.