Catalina Museum's Beatles Exhibit in May

Catalina Island Museum Announces Opening of Rare Beatles and Eric Clapton Exhibition ~ May 7 through July 31, 2011

When Pattie Boyd first met George Harrison as an extra in The Beatles’ movie A Hard Day's Night her life changed irrevocably and forever.  Known as one of the most beautiful models of “Swinging 60s London,” her marriage to Harrison in 1966 allowed her to witness personally the revolution The Beatles inspired in fashion, art and music.  After separating from Harrison in 1974, she married Eric Clapton, a man who continues to be regarded as one of the greatest blues and rock’n’roll guitarists of our era. 

Exhibiting over 50 photographs that are rarely seen together, Yesterday and Today: The Beatles and Eric Clapton as Photographed by Pattie Boyd was organized by Ms. Boyd for a special exhibition at the Catalina Island Museum.  The exhibition will be on view from May 7 through July 31. Boyd’s photography has captivated international art critics for their unique brand of intimacy and the insight they lend into the private lives of George Harrison, Eric Clapton, The Beatles, and Pattie Boyd herself.  Having inspired such classic songs as The Beatles’ Something and Eric Clapton’s Layla and Wonderful Tonight, Pattie Boyd is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated women to have witnessed the 1960s. 

Pattie Boyd now lives in London and continues to be a respected photographer, often drawing inspiration from her frequent travel to locales around the world.  Her recently published book Wonderful Tonight, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Me, reached number one on the New York Times’ bestseller list.  Of her years living at the center of the popular music scene, she reflects in her book: “I loved everything that went with rock’n’roll.  I loved being at the heart of such creativity and being young in such a stimulating and exciting era.  I have known some amazing people and had some unforgettable experiences.”

Opening Reception for Yesterday and Today: The Beatles and Eric Clapton as Photographed by Pattie Boyd
The opening reception for Yesterday and Today will take place on Saturday, May 7th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m..  Tickets to the opening reception are free for museum members and $5.00 for the general public.

A Rare Personal Appearance and Book Signing by Pattie Boyd
The public is also invited to a rare personal appearance by Pattie Boyd at the Catalina Island Museum on July 2, 2011 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.  During the reception Ms. Boyd will be signing her best-selling book Wonderful Tonight, George Harrison, Eric Clapton and Me, which will be available for purchase in the Museum Store.  Tickets to this event are free for museum members and $10.00 for the general public.

The Catalina Island Museum is located on the ground floor of Avalon’s historic Casino, and is open 7 days a week, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.