Astrid Kirchherr and Max Scheler
Liverpool Days [and] Golden Dreams
Kirchherr and Max Scheler, Liverpool Days [and] Golden Dreams, London: Genesis Publications, 1994-1996
122 pages (each) with profusely illustrated photographs in black and gold ink and printed on 200 gsm matte art paper
Two volumes in an exclusive box set measuring 29 x 26 x 5.5 cm. Both titles are hand-bound in buckram and housed in a sturdy, two-colour (red and blue) silk-screened slipcase, each with a photographic print inset onto the front cover (Golden Dreams featuring the 'Group' option). This set is additionally housed in a black and white photographic paper-covered slipcase, produced exclusively by the publishers for purchasers of both titles.
This set included number 1017 of Liverpool Days and 669 of Golden Dreams, each limited to 2,500 copies. This is copy number 1961.
Signed by Astrid Kirchherr and Max Scheler.
Included with the copy of Golden Dreams is an original photographic print, hand-pasted onto the front cover. John, Paul, George, Ringo, or a group shot of all four Beatles.
The Beatles were photographed by Astrid Kirchherr and Max Scheler in 1964, during their journey from Hamburg to London. Since their early years in Hamburg, where they had refined their skills by performing in the city's nightclubs, Astrid was well acquainted with the band. Astrid and Max were granted permission to photograph The Beatles during the production of their debut film, A Hard Day's Night, while on a freelance assignment for Stern magazine. Prior to their departure for Liverpool, the duo shot the band both on and off the film set, as well as in their London residences. There, they captured images of The Beatles' original locations, captured portraits of the numerous Merseybeat groups that followed in their footsteps, and documented the renowned lunchtime sessions that took place at The Cavern Club.
The outcome is an extraordinary archive of photographs that have been published for the first time in Golden Dreams. The edition is available with a choice of photographic print inserted into the front cover and is limited to only 2,500 numbered copies worldwide. Each copy is signed by both Astrid Kirchherr and Max Scheler.
'These photos were taken in the spring of 1964. It's a time that will always belong to The Beatles. No other journalists were allowed near them at that time. They were so busy that Brian Epstein had ruled that they should not be bothered by the press. So, Max and I were very lucky: they were good to Max and they treated me as they always had, like an old friend.' - Astrid Kirchherr
During the Beatles' initial visit to Hamburg in 1960, they encountered Astrid Kirchherr, a burgeoning photographer who befriended the band. In 1964, Astrid visited The Beatles on their native turf as The Beatles gained worldwide fame. They maintained a close relationship. Astrid was permitted exclusive access to The Beatles during the production of their first feature film, A Hard Day's Night, in collaboration with her colleague, Max Scheler. Consequently, Kirchherr and Scheler's work offers a distinctive account of the endeavor. The Beatles are depicted in action with the film's director, Dick Lester, and are photographed with other cast members, including Pattie Boyd. Additionally, their photography emphasizes the band members' private moments, as they unwind in their London residences. Additionally, their documentary portraits, which are shot on location in Liverpool, capture the passion and destitution of the city's inhabitants at a critical juncture in their history. Golden Dreams is a poignant testament to the inspirational impact of The Beatles' success on their community, as well as a historical record of the band's ascent to superstardom.
Astrid Kirchherr
At the time of her initial encounter with The Beatles, Astrid Kirchherr was a young art student in Hamburg, where she was studying photography under the guidance of Reinhart Wolf, Germany's esteemed architectural and still life photographer. Against the backdrop of post-war Hamburg, Astrid developed some of the most iconic portraits of The Beatles, which she adored due to their rock 'n' roll aesthetic. A lifelong connection with The Beatles was established when Astrid became engaged to the band's bass player, Stuart Sutcliffe, and hosted the lads in Germany.
Max Scheler (1928-2003)
He was recognized as Germany's most renowned photojournalist at one point in his career. He was featured in prominent publications, including Stern, Paris Match, and Heute. International recognition and an encounter with the legendary Robert Capa were the result of his photo stories. Scheler was once a novice member of Magnum, the esteemed photo agency owned by Capa. Scheler's career persisted until the mid-1970s, at which point he shifted his focus to the publication of others' work.