The Beatles Illuminated: The Discovered Works of Mike Mitchell
Photographer Mike Mitchell is getting well deserved rest and deep satisfaction after last night’s auction of his work at Christie’s in New York. His iconic collection of 46 silver gelatin prints sold for over $350,000, well above the estimated value of $100,000. Mike was one of a few photographers who captured The Beatles on their first US concert, just 2 days after their appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. The hero image, shot from behind with stunning light and radiating an intimate happiness of the Fab Four, sold for $55,000.
The SRO crowd maintained a party atmosphere with a tangible sense of excitement and joy at seeing this iconic collection come to life after being dormant for almost 50 years. Rapid fire bidding ensued over several desirable images with a global reach being managed by phone and on line. Auctioneer Cathy Elkies carried encouraging men to not consult with their wives and deadpanned “I smell a divorce coming on” as bidding broke 10K, then 20K.
DSI was thrilled Mitchell chose us to print these silver gelatin prints. Our production staff worked diligently to bring every digital tool to bare to create rock star results. Mitchell decided to limit production to one print and devised a moniker, or stamp, which he embedded in each image. We were excited to be the first to see these prints and we take this privilege very seriously. We state up front our ethic which is to uphold and protect the creative rights of all our clients. We were so pleased to be in the audience and cheer with the crowd as each image found its new and rightful owner. Congratulation Mike!
The Associated Press broke a story about the auction shortly after the auction closed. You can also view Mike’s interview in London at the Grovenor House Hotel at the preview exhibition last June.
