The British Library acquires Hunter Davies’ archive

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On this day, it was announced that The British Library had acquired some Beatles-related archives from journalist Hunter Davies, who wrote and published “The Beatles: The Authorised Biography” in 1968. Among the highlights of those archives, there is:

• Hunter Davies’ notebook containing previously unseen sketches of George Harrison and John Lennon, hand drawn by Paul McCartney
• Super 8 video footage of Hunter Davies’ family on holiday in Portugal with Paul and Linda McCartney, in December 1968

From The British Library (bl.uk):

The British Library has acquired author, broadcaster and journalist Hunter Davies’ archive of notebooks, drafts, photographs and ephemera related to the writing of The Beatles: The Authorised Biography (1968). To date, it is still the only official biography of The Beatles, charting a unique first-hand account of the band’s rise to fame.

The British Library has acquired author, broadcaster and journalist Hunter Davies’ archive of notebooks, drafts, photographs and ephemera related to the writing of The Beatles: The Authorised Biography (1968). To date, it is still the only official biography of The Beatles, charting a unique first-hand account of the band’s rise to fame.

While writing the book, Davies spent eighteen months with the band and had unprecedented access to John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, as well as to those within the orbit of one of the most influential music groups in history. He was present at pivotal moments in The Beatles legacy, including at their historic performance of All You Need Is Love as part of Britain’s contribution to the Our World satellite broadcast in June 1967 – the first ever live global television link.

The archive offers previously unseen insights into Davies’ relationship with The Beatles; it also offers a glimpse into the care, collaboration and consideration that goes into writing a book like The Beatles: The Authorised Biography (1968). Highlights include:

• Davies’ notebook containing previously unseen sketches of George Harrison and John Lennon, hand drawn by Paul McCartney

• Davies’ typed draft of The Beatles: The Authorised Biography with handwritten comments by John Lennon’s Aunt Mimi

• Super 8 video footage of Davies’ family on holiday in Portugal with Paul and Linda McCartney

• Davies’ notes on the celebrated Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club album cover

• The Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein’s typed notes from 1962 on how the band should present themselves, including what they should wear, while making public appearances

Hunter Davies says, “The further we get from The Beatles, the bigger they become. I never thought all these years later my scruffy notebooks would be of such interest – and I’m pleased that they’ll be made available to a wider audience of Beatles fans and researchers through the British Library.”

Greg Buzwell, Curator of Contemporary Literary Archives at the British Library, says “We are delighted to have acquired Hunter Davies’ archive on his biography. His collection of notebooks, ephemera and photographs offers us a fascinating glimpse into the career of the Beatles at their peak.”

“The archive also provides a unique record of how Hunter went about writing what remains the only authorised biography of the group. Given unparalleled access to John, Paul, George and Ringo, along with other influential figures in their lives, Hunter’s research notes for his book are an important addition to the Library’s collections, and offer a raw, first-hand perspective into how the Beatles became icons of 1960s counterculture and changed the face of popular music forever.”

To celebrate the acquisition, Davies will offer a behind the scenes look at the writing of the biography, sharing exclusive insights into his archive, at an event in person at the British Library, and online on 11 November 2022.

This acquisition builds significantly on the collection of The Beatles lyrics and papers that the Library already holds, some of which was donated by Davies in 2013, and can be seen in the free, permanent Sir John Ritblat Gallery: Treasures of the British Library.

Davies is a prolific author, journalist and broadcaster who has written for Punch, New Statesman, Guardian and Sunday Times. He is the author of more than 100 books, including the only authorised biography of The Beatles and biographies of Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter and Alfred Wainwright and celebrations of The Lake District and Hampstead Heath.

Colour home movie of Paul and Linda on holiday in Algarve, Portugal was filmed by their friend Hunter Davies. Hunter showed some of the footage at a book convention in 2006 but no known copies of this footage had come to light until yesterday (November 11th, 2022) when it was shown at a new event by Hunter. According to him, the entire footage lasts 10 minutes, only 3 were shown.

From Paul & Linda McCartney in Algarve, Portugal (NEW Home Movie Footage, December 8th – 17th, 1968) – YouTube

Last updated on December 22, 2023