Friday, August 22, 1969
The Beatles’ last photo session
Last updated on May 14, 2025
Friday, August 22, 1969
Last updated on May 14, 2025
Location: Tittenhurst Park • Ascot • UK
Article Aug 21, 1969 • Apple Corps' first annual board meeting
Session Aug 21, 1969 • Mixing the "Abbey Road" medley
Article Aug 22, 1969 • The Beatles' last photo session
Session Aug 22, 1969 • Recording "Carry On Till Tomorrow"
Session Aug 25, 1969 • Editing "Maxwell's Silver Hammer", "The End"
Next article Aug 28, 1969 • Birth of Mary McCartney
By The Beatles • Official album
By The Beatles • LP
Photo shoot for the “Beatles For Sale” cover
Oct 04, 1964
Designing the “Rubber Soul” cover
October 23 - Mid November 1965
The Beatles’ “butcher” photo session
Mar 25, 1966
Designing the “Revolver” cover
June - July 1966 ?
Designing the packaging for “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”
March - April 1967
Designing the packaging for the White Album
September - October 1968
Designing the packaging for “Let It Be”
July 1969 - March 1970 ?
Designing the packaging for “Abbey Road”
August 1969
Test shot for the “Abbey Road” album
August 3 or 7, 1969
The “Abbey Road” photo session
Aug 08, 1969
Designing the packaging for “McCartney”
Circa March 1970
Designing the packaging for “Ram”
Early 1971 ?
Shooting of “Wild Life” cover photograph
Oct 01, 1971
Photo shoot of the “Band On The Run” cover
Oct 23, 1973
The Beatles’ final photo session took place on this day at John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s home, Tittenhurst Park, just two days after their last recording session together. Photographers Ethan Russell — who had previously documented the “Get Back” sessions in January 1969 — and Monte Fresco of the Daily Mail were brought in to capture the day. The Beatles’ assistant Mal Evans also took a few photos, while Linda McCartney, then heavily pregnant, used Paul’s 16mm camera to shoot some silent behind-the-scenes footage.
The images from the session feature the band in various locations in and around the grounds of Tittenhurst Park, with Linda and Yoko appearing in several informal shots. These photos would later be used to promote the “Something / Come Together” single, released in October 1969, and also formed the basis for the cover artwork of the “Hey Jude” compilation album released in the US in February 1970.
Later that same day, Paul McCartney joined The Iveys at EMI Studios for the recording of “Carry On Till Tomorrow.”
From nemsworld.com:
The group photo session began in front of the main house, the Beatles standing among the pillars supporting the terrace canopy. They then walked down the main garden path, past the Diana statue, to a paddock of high grass (an old cricket pitch), where George, Paul, John, and Ringo stood in a row, being photographed and filmed from all sides.
John and Yoko then lead a pair of donkeys from the nearby stables, and the Beatles posed with them.
The Beatles were then photographed at the following locations – Underneath the Cypress tree near the Diana statue – Underneath a pair of Weeping Blue Atlas cedar trees – In front of the Atlas trees – On the lawn near the main house, in front of a retaining wall – On the balcony, leaning against the front door of the Victorian assembly hall, surrounded by stone busts – Looking over the balcony (joined by Linda and Yoko) – Standing in a side doorway of the assembly hall – Sitting, and then standing, in front of two arched porches in the southern wall of four terraced cottages – John and Ringo then going upstairs and looking out of the first floor windows – On the walled path between the cottages and the main house – Indoors, sitting at a large wooden table – Outside, grouped in a corner of the Southern balcony of the main house.
It was just a photo session. I wasn’t there thinking, ‘Okay, this is the last photo session.’
Ringo Starr – From “The Beatles Anthology” book, 2000
George Harrison was miserable from frame one to frame 500. He was so over it. I don’t think he did anything but scowl for three hours.
Paul was trying to hold it together. He had his arms crossed like, ‘Come on, lads!’ But the concept of the Beatles just didn’t sync with who they were anymore. I could have asked them to smile, but it would have been totally fake and I’m glad I didn’t. This marriage had come to an end – and boy does it show.
Photographer Ethan Russell – From The Guardian, February 10, 2019
Linda shot some 16mm footage on my camera. That turned out to be the last film taken.
Paul McCartney – From “The Beatles Anthology” book, 2000
The Beatles Diary Volume 1: The Beatles Years
With greatly expanded text, this is the most revealing and frank personal 30-year chronicle of the group ever written. Insider Barry Miles covers the Beatles story from childhood to the break-up of the group.
If we modestly consider the Paul McCartney Project to be the premier online resource for all things Paul McCartney, it is undeniable that The Beatles Bible stands as the definitive online site dedicated to the Beatles. While there is some overlap in content between the two sites, they differ significantly in their approach.
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Jorge O. Elgegren • Dec 07, 2023 • 2 years ago
I love the black and white picture which is sixth to last (uncredited). Will you let me know where I may purchase a high resolution digital file of that picture? I'd love to have it printed in my living room by my piano and guitars. Thanks in advance for your attention.
The PaulMcCartney Project • Dec 08, 2023 • 2 years ago
Hi Jorge, the photo is owned by Apple corps. It doesn't seem available on platforms like Getty Images. So I'm afraid I can't really help you.
