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Home > Beatles diary > Photography > The Beatles' final photo session

The Beatles' final photo session

12.00pm, Friday 22 August 1969 (42 years ago)

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The Beatles united for a final photographic session on this day. It was also the last occasion in which all four members were together for band duties; thereafter their only meetings were business-related.

It was just a photo session. I wasn't there thinking, 'OK, this is the last photo session.'
Ringo Starr
Anthology

Hey Jude LP cover artwork The shoot took place in the house and grounds of Tittenhurst Park, John Lennon and Yoko Ono's home in Sunninghill near Ascot, Berkshire. The couple had moved in earlier in the month on 11 August, although they had bought the 72-acre estate on 4 May 1969.

The photo shoot took place two days after their final recording session together. The photographers were Ethan Russell and Monte Fresco, with additional pictures taken by The Beatles' assistant Mal Evans. Some low-quality film footage was also shot, some of which is thought to have been shown on the BBC Two arts programme Late Night Line-Up on 19 September 1969, during an Abbey Road special.

Linda shot some 16mm footage on my camera. That turned out to be the last film taken.
Paul McCartney
Anthology

Yoko Ono and a heavily pregnant Linda McCartney appeared in some of the photographs. Also at the shoot were Apple Corps' press officer Derek Taylor and Paul McCartney's sheepdog Martha.

A number of photographs were taking in various locations in the house and around the estate. Lennon and George Harrison wore wide-brimmed hats in some of the pictures.

The session began in front of the main house, with The Beatles standing by the pillars underneath the terrace canopy.

The Beatles at Tittenhurst Park, 22 August 1969 The Beatles at Tittenhurst Park, 22 August 1969 The Beatles at Tittenhurst Park, 22 August 1969 The Beatles at Tittenhurst Park, 22 August 1969 The Beatles at Tittenhurst Park, 22 August 1969

From the main house The Beatles walked down the main garden path past the statue of Diana, goddess of the hunt.

The Beatles at Tittenhurst Park, 22 August 1969 The Beatles at Tittenhurst Park, 22 August 1969 The Beatles at Tittenhurst Park, 22 August 1969

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« Previous post: Mixing, editing: The End, You Never Give Me Your Money, Sun King, Mean Mr Mustard
Next post: Recording, editing: Maxwell's Silver Hammer, The End »
Also on this day...

  • 1968: Recording: Back In The USSR
  • 1968: Ringo Starr quits The Beatles
  • 1968: Cynthia Lennon sues John for divorce
  • 1967: Recording: Your Mother Should Know
  • 1966: Junior press conference: Warwick Hotel, New York City
  • 1966: Press conference: Warwick Hotel, New York City
  • 1965: Live: Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon
  • 1964: Live: Empire Stadium, Vancouver, Canada
  • 1963: Live: Gaumont Cinema, Bournemouth
  • 1963: Television: Day By Day
  • 1960: Live: Indra Club, Hamburg

Want more? Visit the Beatles history section.

Related articles:

  • John Lennon and Yoko Ono move into Tittenhurst Park
  • John Lennon and Yoko Ono buy Tittenhurst Park
  • Bob Dylan visits John Lennon at Tittenhurst Park
  • The Beatles' first photo session
  • Ringo Starr buys Tittenhurst Park from John Lennon and Yoko Ono

Filed under: Photography

One response to “The Beatles' final photo session”

  1. Srader says:
    Saturday 9 April 2011 at 1.31am

    Is the absolute last photo the color one on the balcony, that later appeared on the cover of RS? Also, why would Paul and Ringo stand on the balcony edge, isn't that dangerous?

    Reply to this comment

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