Spectacular vintage glossy 8.5 x 6.5 group photo taken by Albert Marrion in December of 1961 during the Beatles' first professional photo session, depicting the band in their leather outfits and holding their instruments, signed and inscribed on the reverse in red ballpoint, "To Meron, Love from John Lennon xx," "Love to Meron from George Harrison xxxx," "To Meron love from Paul McCartney xxx," and "Lots of love to Meron from Pete Best xxx." The reverse also bears Marrion’s photography stamp. In very good to fine condition, with light creasing, more noticeable on the image side, and surface impressions to the image from the signatures on the back. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA and a certificate of authenticity from Beatles expert Frank Caiazzo, who states that the signatures date to early 1962.
Albert Marrion, a local wedding photographer, was brought on by influential Beatles manager Brian Epstein to capture a professional shot of the future international sensations. Though he snapped about 30 photos at his Wallesy studio in December 1961, records indicate that only 17 still exist, with the here-offered example being one of the most appealing. The photographer later recalled, 'John and Paul joked and laughed throughout most of the session. George Harrison was quiet and Pete Best didn't speak almost at all.' Marrion remembered it was actually Lennon and McCartney's 'acting up' that spoiled many of the discarded negatives. Best, the band's original drummer, who would be replaced by Ringo Starr only eight months later, in August 1962, certainly foreshadows here with his listless facial expression. An uncommonly early photograph with a great image that’s matched by its cast of bold red autographs.
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