PHOTOGRAPHER BRINGS THE BEATLES BACK TO SALTAIRE IN EXHIBITION

 

Former TV camera operator Paul Berriff in front of some of the photos he took of some of the biggest names in rock on visits to Yorkshire

In July 1968 Paul McCartney spent a morning in Victoria Hall, Saltaire, recording with the Black Dyke Mills brass band.

Now, he can be seen back in Saltaire – along with John, George and Ringo, the other three members of The Beatles – in a spectacular exhibition at Salts Mill of black and white photographs.

Paul Berriff was a 16-year-old trainee journalist in the early 1960s who hit upon the inspired idea of improving his photographic skills by taking pictures of up-and-coming pop groups in Yorkshire.

The 70 pictures that make up Rock Legends include The Rolling Stones, the Jimi Hendrix Experience, three members of Pink Floyd including the late Syd Barrett and Roy Orbison.

Most of the photographs of The Beatles in relaxed mood were taken behind the scenes at the Gaumont cinema (later the Odeon) in Bradford.

Mr Berriff, who went on to have a distinguished international career as a television cameraman, said: “I didn’t use flash photography. Where possible I used the light available. The three I did of Paul McCartney were done with a 40 watt lightbulb, that’s why the background is very dark.”

Rock Legends is on until January 14.