By Sally Warburton
Now on at the Art Gallery of Ontario – AGO in Toronto.
Exhibit of Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm displays photos between December 1963 and February 1964, a 10 week period of time.Taken with a 35mm Pentax cameraby Paul McCartney, these photos are mostly unseen photos.. It was the time when The Beatles went from British sensations to global superstars. In stadiums, on the streets and on The Ed Sullivan Show, their arrival in North America marked the change in music history. Photos show The Beatles being greeted by screaming fans and press everywhere – Paul McCartney stood in the eyes of the storm. His photographs show us a unique perspective on being a Beatle at the start of Beatlemania. “Millions of eyes were suddenly upon us, creating a picture I will never forget.” ―Paul McCartney
Organized by the National Portrait Gallery in London, from Paul McCartney’s personal archive, are more than 250 photographs taken during the early months of Beatlemania. Six cities – Liverpool, London, Paris, New York, Washington DC and Miami. A behind-the-scenes look at the huge rise of the world’s most celebrated band, these images reveal Paul McCartney as a skilled photographer in addition to musician.
This intimate and historic photograph exhibit includes video clips and archival materials. It is both chronically and geographically organized. Different rooms, different places. Beautifully displayed at the AGO. The colours and the freshness of the display are commendable making the visit relaxing and enjoyable while taking us all back to the beginning of the Beatles career. The intensity of The Beatles touring schedule is captured along with the energy of the Beatlemania era. The exhibit includes intimate photos of his bandmates John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.
Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm has been organized by the National Portrait Gallery, London, England, in collaboration with Paul McCartney. It is curated by Sir Paul McCartney with Sarah Brown for MPL Communications and Rosie Broadley for the National Portrait Gallery. The presentation at the Art Gallery of Ontario is organized by Jim Shedden, Curator, Special Projects & Director, Publishing.After visiting many countries, this unique photo exhibit of The Beatles is at the AGO Toronto until June 7, 2026, after which it moves to Europe including Berlin and Stockholm before heading to Australia. Make sure you see it before it leaves Toronto!
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