Richard Hamilton, with his back to the camera, working on the poster to be included with the release of the 1968 double Beatles LP. Much of the material on the album was written in India. The Beatles were to record the demos for this LP at George Harrison’s home in the English county of Esher! The demos were recorded at the bungalow known as Kinfauns!
A book I acquired that details some of Mr. Hamilton’s work. Issued in Germany by Kestner-Gesellschaft in Hanover. The book is entitled:
Exteriors Interiors Objects People – It appears to have been published in 1990 or 1991
Richard Hamilton’s signature which came with my purchase of this book on Ebay. It is interesting to see the influence Mr. Hamilton may have had in the decisions to react to the previously ornate Sgt. Pepper cover with the stark “White Album” cover. I remember purchasing my first copy of the “The White Album” at Caldor’s Department Store. It was in a display case also selling “Beggar’s Banquet” by the Rolling Stones. Despite being more expensive as a double LP, I quickly shelled out the funds for the double album and retreated back to my home to soak in all the sonic delights! As subscribers of this blog are well aware, I also try to collect the signatures of the people that made significant contributions either to the Beatles music or the artwork associated with their LP’s. Having Mr. Hamilton’s signature is special to me!
Hamilton’s Back Cover to his German book:
A couple of interesting internet sites with articles about the “White Album.”
The White Album Project | A Comprehensive Look At The Beatles Self Titled Double Album Masterpiece
The Beatles’ White Album: Pop Art or Blank Canvas (beatlesstory.com)
A SAMPLE OF THE WHITE ALBUM FROM AMAZON-the only recognizable details being the embossed title of the LP and the numbering sequence which was quite the successful marketing technique as over the years, earlier sequenced stamped numbered LP’s are considered to be more valuable and command higher prices in collecting circles!
A personalized copy of the White Album signed to me by engineer/producer, Chris Thomas. The signing was arranged and acquired for me through Beatles expert Philippe Colinge. Thomas ended up producing several tracks on the White album due to George Martin being away on a vacation. The vacation was probably due to the stress that was going on between the Beatles at the time. Chris Thomas also produced the Apple group, Badfinger.
Which is your favourite Album Cover by The Beatles?
Buzz
More Great Books on The Beatles at The Beatles Bookstore
The Beatles and Music
The music of The Beatles
Folks also may be interested in this guy who collects first editions of The White Album and has had gallery displays of his collection:
https://www.thewhitealbumproject.com/articles/rutherford-chang-we-buy-white-albums/
I received a CD copy of ‘The Beatles’ aka ‘The White Album’ a year or so back. It is a very enjoyable and contrasting listen. The Band’s second album became known as ‘The Brown Album’ due to the sepia photo on the cover. Also a favourite album of mine.