On Wednesday, Christie's is offering a few dozen striking vintage black-and-white photographs of the Beatles taken by 18-year-old photographer Mike Mitchell. These incredible images were taken on February 11, 1964 at the Washington Coliseum. This was the Beatles's first U.S. concert, and it took place just two days after their historic first appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show." Mitchell had obtained a press pass for himself. He did not own a flash for his camera so he had to rely on the lighting in the concert hall for his images. I think he did a spectacular job.
These photographs were never published and were apparently forgotten even by their creator for a long time. Recently, Mitchell rediscovered them in his basement and realized their cultural value. He spent the last three years digitally restoring the negatives and preparing a single print of each for Christie's. (It sounds as if he may publish other editions of at least some of these photos.) Here are just four of the images:
These photographs were never published and were apparently forgotten even by their creator for a long time. Recently, Mitchell rediscovered them in his basement and realized their cultural value. He spent the last three years digitally restoring the negatives and preparing a single print of each for Christie's. (It sounds as if he may publish other editions of at least some of these photos.) Here are just four of the images:
MIKE MITCHELL
gelatin silver print; singed lower right, numbered 1/1
20 x 13in. (50.8 x 33cm.)
Special Notice
This lot is offered without reserve.
Estimate $3,000 - $5,000
Price Realized $16,250
MIKE MITCHELL
gelatin silver print; signed lower right, numbered 1/1
16¼ x 24in. (41.3 x 61cm.)
Special Notice
This lot is offered without reserve.
Estimate $3,000 - $5,000
Price Realized $8,125
MIKE MITCHELL
gelatin silver print; signed lower right, numbered 1/1
14¼ x 16in. (35.5 x 40.6cm.)
Special Notice
This lot is offered without reserve.
Estimate $2,000 - $3,000
Price Realized $4,750
MIKE MITCHELL
gelatin silver print; signed lower right, numbered 1/1
16 x 16¼in. (40.6 x 41.2cm.)
Special Notice
This lot is offered without reserve.
Estimate $2,000 - $3,000
Price Realized $68,500
Sale 2633
20 July 2011 New York, Rockefeller Plaza
The Christie's catalogue: http://www.christies.com/eCatalogues/index.aspx?id=89FF90C24F056D0C852578A4007DACA3
Conversation Crossroad radio interview with Mike Mitchell: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conxroad/2011/07/13/the-beatles-illuminated-discovered-works-of-mike-mitchell
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