Praise for Mr. Robert Whitaker, one of the great photographers who shot so many wonderful photos of the Beatles over the years. Robert Whitaker passed away on September 20, 2011.
Here is the link to the Wikipedia biography of Mr. Whitaker.
Robert Whitaker (photographer) – Wikipedia
A few samples of his books/print material are contained in the photos below:
Robert issued a limited signed edition book of his favorite photos that he had shot of the Beatles. Only 100 copies of this softcover book were released in Europe in 2009. I was fortunate to be able to obtain a copy (copy #100) of this book at the book search service company entitled “Abe Books.”
Robert’s signature in the book:
My framed copy of the Butcher cover which Robert Whitaker took the original photograph of. This first-state stereo cover was obtained from noted Butcher cover collector and expert, Wayne Rogers! Would love to see the Whitaker Estate issue a book of all of the outtake photos from this session:
A collection of Robert Whitaker Beatles photos from the 1966 tour:
The LIFE book containing the photos of Robert Whitaker:
Here is the leather-bound edition of the book:
Robert was one of the photographers who was there in Japan in 1966 to witness and photograph the Beatles painting their only collective known work done with the paint brush. The painting was called “Images of A Woman” and was eventually purchased by a Japanese businessman at a significant price!
In 2024 it once again was auctioned off. At a Christie’s auction, it fetched a sum of $1.7 million!
Who is your favourite Beatles photographer? Let me know in the comments below.
Buzz
I produced a segment with Robert Whitaker on the ABC-TV show “Home” in 1991 during his book tour promoting a book of photographs. As a Beatles (USA) Ltd., Fan Club chapter leader I was on the mailing list to receive early pressings of all the Beatles album releases including the infamous Whitaker cover. Mine had been sealed until that day in 1991 when before Mr. Whitaker I took off the plastic and he signed the back of the cover. In the Green Room he told me he had never signed the cover before. I don’t know that to be fact as he may have later on, but as of that day he hadn’t.
Thank you for your comments Debbie. It is wonderful to hear of your many experiences over the years regarding the Beatles. I am eagerly anticipating my signed copy of your book: “I Saw Them Standing There: Adventures of An Original Fan during Beatlemania and Beyond,” which I purchased from the Fest For Beatles Fans! It is also a pleasure to see you as a member of this blog. Please spread the word at your convenience to your friends and associates that may share your interest in this exciting subect matter. Thank you!