The World’s Only Known Example of this Iconic Dezo Hoffmann Image Signed by All Four Beatles!
Here is an impossibly rare and original Dezo Hoffmann black and white glossy photograph of The Beatles autographed by all four on the reverse in blue ballpoint pen. John Lennon has written ‘To Carolyn love from’ before his name, while adding three kiss symbols ‘xxx’ below his name, Ringo Starr has added two kiss symbols ‘xx’ below his name, Paul McCartney has added three kiss symbols ‘xxx’ below his name, and George Harrison has completed the set. The autographs were obtained backstage at the ABC Cinema, Edinburgh, Scotland on April 29th, 1964. Just days before this photo was signed, The Beatles completed scenes for their first feature film, A Hard Day’s Night, with the title track being recorded less than 2 weeks prior.
Accompanied by a letter from the original recipient that reads: ‘I obtained the autographs of The Beatles on the reverse of a black and white photo of the group, illustrated below, when I met them on the afternoon of April 29th 1964 prior to an evening concert by John, Paul, George and Ringo at the ABC Regal Cinema, Edinburgh. I had queued overnight for tickets to the concert with my friends. Shortly after I received a letter from the manager of the theatre, Mr Lovell, asking me if I would like to meet The Beatles. Around 3pm on the afternoon of the 29th April Mr Lovell introduced me to John, George, Ringo and Paul. John shook hands with me and I asked him if I could kiss him – he bent forward – I kissed his cheek. John said ‘Mi (sic) wife will kill me!’. I chatted with other members of the group (see extract from my diary from the day). The local newspaper newspapers covered the story of myself and my friends queuing for tickets (see newspaper cutting). Also photographers from the local press took photos of me with The Beatles (see below). This is to confirm the authenticity of the signatures on the reverse of this photo card. It is one of two I took with me on the day that I met The Beatles.’
Famed photographer Dezo Hoffmann captured the iconic image on 2nd July 1963 on Guildford Street, London, England. A colorized version of this image was used on The Beatles album ‘On Air - Live at the BBC Volume 2’. This image was also famously used at the inspiration for The Beatles statue that resides at the Pier Head in Liverpool. A number of small adjustments were made, including rearranging the four Beatles to replicate the order in which they appeared on stage. Dezo Hoffmann photographs signed by all four members of The Beatles are rare and desirable. To date, this is the first signed example of this iconic Dezo image that we have encountered. The photograph measures 21.5cm x 16.25cm (8.5 inches x 6.4 inches). The condition is very good. An absolutely spectacular Beatles collectible of the highest order!
Accompanied by a Letter of Provenance as well as full Letters of Authenticity from Beckett/BAS, Roger Epperson/REAL Authentication and Tracks UK, Ltd.