As well as an epoch-defining musician, Paul McCartney was also a decent portrait photographer – Macca joins top actor, Stanley Tucci, to talk about his photography exhibition documenting the height of Beatlemania and new book
The duo will specifically discuss McCartney’s upcoming exhibition, staged to mark to the reopening of the National Portrait Gallery this summer, as well as the accompanying book – 1964: Eyes of the Storm.
McCartney and Tucci will also explore their shared interest in the creative arts and photography, drawing on experiences behind and in front of the camera. McCartney’s photography from the 1963-64 period will form the focus of the discussion, as the duo share stories and select their favourites from the 250 photographs exhibited.
John Lennon in Paris, 1964. Picture credit: Paul McCartney
McCartney will also discuss his photographic influences. The musician has a strong association with photography; not only was his late wife Linda an accomplished photographer, so is his daughter, Mary, and younger brother, Mike.
“Looking at these photos now, decades after they were taken, I find there’s a sort of innocence about them,’ said McCartney. ‘Everything was new to us at this point. But I like to think I wouldn’t take them any differently today.
Ringo Starr, London, 1963-4. Picture credit: Paul McCartney
They now bring back so many stories, a flood of special memories, which is one of the many reasons I love them all, and know that they will always fire my imagination. The fact that these photographs have been taken by the National Portrait Gallery for their reopening after a lengthy renovation is humbling yet also astonishing – I’m looking forward to seeing them on the walls, 60 years on.’
More details about the Paul McCartney photography event
This online event will be streamed live from the National Portrait Gallery on Thursday 29 June at 14.00 BST. Tickets for the livestream are £10. Concessionary rate tickets are available, in addition to a new discounted £5 ticket for people aged 30 and under. All ticket holders will have access to a recording of the conversation for a limited time only.
Self portraits in a mirror, Paris, 1964. Picture credit: Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm, will be exhibited at the gallery from 28 June – 1 October 2023. An accompanying book, published by Penguin Press, is available from 13 June 2023.
George looking young, handsome and relaxed, Miami Beach, February 1964. Picture credit: Paul McCartney
For booking details and more information, visit npg.org.uk
From the National Portrait Gallery
Paul McCartney and Stanley Tucci in conversation to mark the launch of Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm
This special event marks the National Portrait Gallery’s reopening and will see Stanley Tucci discuss with Paul McCartney his photography and memories of a unique time in history. Livestreamed for audiences globally on 29 June at 14.00 BST, those aged 30 and under can access a discounted £5 ticket.
As part of its First Look Festival – a series of events and activities for adults, families, young people and schools that reintroduce the NPG to its visitors this summer – the National Portrait Gallery today announces that Paul McCartney will be joined by Academy Award winning actor, Stanley Tucci, at his headlining in-conversation event.
Together, the pair will discuss McCartney’s upcoming exhibition, staged to mark to the reopening of the National Portrait Gallery this summer, as well as his new book, 1964: Eyes of the Storm, the art of photography and his experience of ‘Beatlemania’.
This online event will be streamed live from the new National Portrait Gallery on Thursday 29 June at 14.00 BST. Tickets for the livestream are £10. Concessionary rate tickets are available, in addition to a new discounted £5 ticket for people aged 30 and under. All ticket holders will have access to a recording of the conversation for a limited time only.
As part of the in-conversation, McCartney and Tucci will explore their shared interest in the creative arts and photography, drawing on experiences behind and in front of the camera. McCartney’s photographs from the 1963-64 period will form the focus of the discussion, as the pair share stories and select their favourites from the 250 photographs exhibited as part of Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm (28 June – 1 October 2023).
Drawing on reflections made in the accompanying book of photographs, 1964: Eyes of the Storm, McCartney will also discuss his photographic influences. McCartney’s book, 1964: Eyes of the Storm, published by Penguin Press is available from 13 June 2023.
“Looking at these photos now, decades after they were taken, I find there’s a sort of innocence about them. Everything was new to us at this point. But I like to think I wouldn’t take them any differently today. They now bring back so many stories, a flood of special memories, which is one of the many reasons I love them all, and know that they will always fire my imagination. The fact that these photographs have been taken by the National Portrait Gallery for their reopening after a lengthy renovation is humbling yet also astonishing – I’m looking forward to seeing them on the walls, 60 years on, and reminiscing about those times with the wonderful Stanley Tucci.”
Paul McCartney
“I am honored and thrilled to interview Paul McCartney about these photos and that time in his extraordinary life. A life that has changed all of ours for the better.”
Stanley Tucci
Staged in partnership with MPL Communications LTD, Penguin Random House and W.W. Norton, the event is part of the Gallery’s First Look Festival, which is supported by the Principal Partner of the new National Portrait Gallery, Bank of America. A further programme of film screenings – curated by Paul McCartney – and a McCartney inspired analogue photography workshop will also be staged later in the summer. Visit npg.org.uk for full programme listings and ticket booking details.
Further reading
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