Richard Avedon Paul McCartney Beatles 1967 Stern Poster Linen Backed Original
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“Flower Power Paul” — Paul McCartney
An original 1967 first-edition psychedelic portrait of Paul McCartney — titled “Flower Power Paul” — from Richard Avedon’s landmark Beatles series. This is the German Stern edition: printed in England by Waterlow & Sons and distributed by Populäre Propaganda Presse (PPP), Düsseldorf. McCartney appears wreathed in blooming flowers, rendered in Avedon’s solarized Day-Glo color — the purest distillation of 1967’s flower-power spirit.
Not a reproduction. A genuine 1967 first printing — the only version considered an authentic original.
Details
| Artist | Richard Avedon (1923–2004) |
| Subject / Title | Paul McCartney, The Beatles — “Flower Power Paul” |
| Year | 1967 — Limited First Edition |
| Edition / Source | Stern (German-market printing) |
| Rights / Printer | © NEMS Enterprises Ltd. · Printed in England by Waterlow & Sons Ltd. · PPP, Düsseldorf |
| Medium | Offset lithograph (solarized with Day-Glo overlays) |
| Size | Approx. 19″ × 27″ (50 × 70 cm) image, plus linen border |
| Provenance | Gauntlet Gallery (est. 2012, San Francisco) |
Condition
Excellent condition. Professionally linen-backed. Stored rolled from the day of acquisition and only recently opened for photography. Never displayed by the current collection. No visible flaws or signs of aging.
About the Work
Beatles manager Brian Epstein commissioned Avedon to photograph the band on 11 August 1967 in London, capturing the psychedelic turn of the Sgt. Pepper era. Avedon distorted four solarized portraits with Day-Glo overlays and symbolic attributes; the set’s order form named them Flame Bright John, Flower Power Paul, Mystic George, and Dove Loving Ringo. The images were first published in the 9 January 1968 issue of Look and distributed simultaneously by Look (US), the Daily Express (UK), and Stern (Europe), alongside a black-and-white “Mount Rushmore” banner that completes the set of five.
Though originally printed in a large edition at the height of Beatlemania, few survive unused — most were taped to walls and discarded. An example of the Stern set is held in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.
About the Artist
Richard Avedon (1923–2004) was one of the most influential photographers of the twentieth century, redefining fashion and portraiture at Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, and The New Yorker. His psychedelic Beatles series stands among his most iconic non-fashion works and a defining visual statement of the 1960s.
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Authentication
Authentication
Every piece in the Gauntlet Gallery collection is third-party authenticated before listing. Authentication credentials — including COA serial numbers and authenticator details — are documented with each work and available on request. We do not self-authenticate.
Shipping & Handling
Shipping & Handling
Ships fully insured with signature required. Fine-art packaging with corner protection, UV-resistant materials, and climate-appropriate cushioning. Domestic: 5–7 business days. International: 10–14 business days. White-glove delivery available for large-format pieces — contact us at hi@gauntlet.gallery for a quote.
Provenance
Provenance
Full ownership trail documented. Prior ownership, condition notes, and authentication records are available on request. All works are inspected prior to shipment and condition-graded for buyer transparency.
Richard Avedon · The Beatles · 1967 “Flower Power Paul” — Paul McCartney Original 1967 Psychedelic Poster · Stern First Edition · Professionally Linen-Backed An original 1967 first-edition psychedelic portrait of Paul McCartney — titled “Flower Power Paul” — from Richard Avedon’s landmark Beatles series. This is the German Stern edition: printed in England by Waterlow & Sons...
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Excellent / Like New condition unless otherwise stated. Please check photos for details.
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