In a remarkable auction event, over 350 never-before-seen photographs of The Beatles, taken during their early performances in the United States, have been sold for an impressive £253,200. The auction, conducted by Omega Auctions in Newton-Le-Willows, Lancashire, featured a total of 413 negatives, complete with copyright. Notably, only 46 of these images had been previously unveiled during a 2011 auction.

The photographer behind these captivating images, Mike Mitchell, chronicled The Beatles’ arrival, pre-show press conferences, and live performances in Washington, DC, and Baltimore in 1964. His work includes capturing their inaugural US concert at the Washington Coliseum on February 11, 1964, just two days following their legendary appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.

At just 18 years old, Mitchell utilized natural light for his photography, as he lacked the funds for a flash. His dedication to capturing unique perspectives led him to photograph the band at the Baltimore Civic Centre on September 13, 1964, where he managed to get on stage for a more intimate view.

Reflecting on his work, Mitchell expressed, “I was very motivated to come up with stuff that was as unique as could possibly be. I looked and noticed that nobody was up on the stage. I thought, I wonder what it would be like to be up on the stage and see what I could get up there.”

The Beatles Illuminated – The Complete Archive of Mike Mitchell

Paul Fairweather, the auctioneer at Omega, praised the collection, stating, “This is an incredible archive. The unique combination of perspective and light sets them apart from any other Beatles photographs of that period.” The sale of the complete archive, along with its copyright, offers a rare and valuable opportunity for collectors and investors alike.

In addition to the photographs, the auction featured a black Mercedes AMG once owned by George Harrison, which sold for £43,200. This Mercedes 500 SEL AMG, originally purchased for £85,000 in 1984, remained in Harrison’s possession for 16 years and was prominently featured in the official video for the song ‘Real Love’.

Among other notable items sold was a hotel register from The Bull in Peterborough, signed by all four Beatles and their manager Brian Epstein, which fetched £9,840. This collection of memorabilia not only highlights the enduring legacy of The Beatles but also underscores the continued fascination and value associated with their history.