Posted on 5 Comments

The Apple Store Photograph

Apple Boutique
Apple Boutique by Bill Zygmant
Apple Boutique by Bill Zygmant

Bill Zygmant – Psychedelic Photograph

It is one of the most iconic photos of swinging London and of the Beatles’ Apple empire. Taken by Bill Zygmant, he explains how he came to take this photo.

“After the photographing of the caravan, I was driving through London and I saw this building being painted. And I thought; “I recognise that design”. It was done by the same artist – “The Fool” – from Holland. So, I took the pictures, just before it was finished, and of course it was whitewashed a few days later because they didn’t have planning permission. There are no other good pictures of it, because it wasn’t up for that long.”

Inside the Apple Boutique
Inside the Apple Boutique

Located on the corner of Baker Street and Paddington Street, Marylebone, The Beatles’ Apple Boutique was
opened on 7th December 1967 to a great fanfare. However, it was chaotic, as was most of the Apple ventures. It closed on 31st July 1968, with The Beatles announcing a free-for-all.

The iconic design was from a collective known as “The Fool”. They consisted of Dutch designers Simon Posthuma and Mrijke Koeger, together with artist Josje Leeger. These three had met Simon Hayes and Barry Finch on a trip to London, and decided to work together under the name, “The Fool”. The introduction to The Beatles came through George’s wife Patti.

Get Bill’s incredible book of photographs of the Beatles and many more iconic musicians and celebrities, together with their stories from Bill’s incredible life.

It is a Limited Edition book of only 250 copies with a signed photograph of John and Yoko worth £50!

5 thoughts on “The Apple Store Photograph

  1. What a shame that beautiful mural had to be whitewashed over!

    1. Absolutely, typical bureaucracy!!

    2. Interesting that the Beatles released the White Album later that same year. Coincidence? Inspiration?

  2. An excellent book, filled with wonderful photos!!! I bought copy #250 and it holds a special place in my Beatles-related book library!

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