David Christian

About

David Christian was an Australian illustrator who lived in London from 1960 until the end of his life. In 1966, he approached the NEMS offices to offer his illustration services and was given the opportunity to create the cover for The Beatles’ compilation album “A Collection Of Oldies And Goldies,” which was released in December of that year.

They had apparently been let down by someone else and needed artwork done quickly. […] I don’t know how much my father was paid for it, but it can’t have been a huge amount – he was no millionaire!

Nicola Christian – Daugher of David Christian – About designing “A Collection Of Oldiers And Goldies”. Quoted in Beatlefan #262 (May-June 2023)

Around the same time, he also created a drawing for The Beatles’ 1966 Christmas album. Although a drawing by Paul McCartney was ultimately chosen for the cover, Christian’s drawing was used in advertisements in the New Musical Express and Billboard.

In June 1967, David Christian created an ad titled “Remember Sgt. Pepper” to promote The Beatles’ new album.

Towards the end of 1967, he designed the colourful lettering for the sides of the tour coach for “Magical Mystery Tour,” which was also used on the front cover of the “Magical Mystery Tour” EP and album.

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My dad was very proud of the work he did with The Beatles and had fond memories of those times. I think he was rather pleased with how the artwork and lettering turned out.

Nicola Christian – Daugher of David Christian – Quoted in Beatlefan #262 (May-June 2023)

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