Bill Zygmant Takes The First Photos of John and Yoko
David Bedford interviewed Zygmant about these photos.
“When it came to taking the first photos of John and Yoko; I was working freelance then and had been doing a late shift in a printing factory, as I had a family to support. Tony Cox, Yoko’s first husband, turned up, and they were making the film Bottoms at the time.
“Yoko went away, and didn’t actually pay me, as I said ‘have it on me’! When I arrived at the Beatles Tailoring shop for John Lennon, Yoko was also there in the background. She saw me, looked over and gestured to say it was ok to take the photo, and stood there so that I could see John in the foreground, and Yoko behind him. That was the first photograph ever taken of John and Yoko. They had only got together a few days earlier.
John Lennon with Yoko in the Background
COPYRIGHT BILL ZYGMANT
“The invitation to the tailor shop came because they knew I would get the photos in the papers.”
Apple Tailoring (Civil and Theatrical) at 161, Kings Road, London, was opened to the public on 23rd May 1968. It was part of the developing Apple Corps launched by The Beatles, following on from the Apple Boutique that had opened on Baker Street. This store, previously known as Dandie Fashions, run by Australian John Crittle.
John Crittle with John Lennon
COPYRIGHT BILL ZYGMANT
Discover these and many more incredible photographs taken by Bill Zygmant in his book, “Where Did You Get That Shirt?” Each photograph has a story from David Bedford’s interviews with Zygmant.
Bill Zygmant – Where Did You Get That Shirt? (Signed Limited Edition)
Get your copy of Bill Zygmant’s portfolio book of unique photographs covering his career from the late 1960s to the 1980s.
This will be a signed, numbered edition – maximum of 250 numbered editions.
It comes with one of Bill’s signed photographs, which usually sells for £50!
In the mid-1960s, a cultural phenomenon took hold of America as The Beatles rose to fame. Alongside their musical success, The Beatles became the first pop music group featured on a metal lunchbox. This iconic lunchbox, manufactured by Aladdin Industries, quickly became a symbol of self-expression for children and a marketing tool to capture the attention of young fans. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Beatles lunchbox, its design, significance, and value for collectors.
The Birth of a Cultural Icon
The Beatles Lunchbox
In 1965, Aladdin Industries introduced the first-ever Beatles lunchbox, forever changing the lunchtime routines of children across America. This metal lunchbox, measuring 8¼”x7½”x4″, was painted vibrant aqua blue and adorned with embossed images of the Fab Four. On one side, the lunchbox featured individual portraits of John, Paul, George, and Ringo, while the other showcased the band playing their instruments in iconic Shea Stadium suits. The bottom edge of the lunchbox displayed floating heads of the Beatles, and their signatures adorned the top.
Aladdin Industries: The Home of Beatles Lunchbox Production
Aladdin Industries (703 Murfreesboro Road in Nashville, Tennessee), the manufacturer of The Beatles lunchbox, was known for its innovative designs and quality products. The artistic director, Elmer Lehnhardt, collaborated with renowned photographer Dezo Hoffmann to create the striking portraits of The Beatles that adorned the lunchbox. Aladdin Industries also produced a matching blue thermos bottle to accompany the lunchbox, further solidifying the lunchtime experience for Beatles fans.
The Beatles Lunchbox: A Statement of Identity
The Beatles lunchbox quickly became more than just a container for sandwiches and snacks. It became a statement of identity for those who carried it. As Maria Godoy of National Public Radio aptly said, “A lunchbox was not merely a lunchbox, but a statement of who we were.” Children proudly flaunted their Beatles lunchboxes, showcasing their love for the band and their place within the pop culture movement.
The Blue Thermos Bottle: A Perfect Companion
The Beatles Thermos
Every Beatles lunchbox would be complete with the matching blue thermos bottle. Standing 7″ tall and 3¼” in diameter, the thermos bottle featured “The Beatles” and images of the band wrapping around both sides. It came with a light-blue screw cap, a cup cap, a name/address sticker, and instructions on how to care for the thermos. The Beatles lunchbox and thermos were the perfect duo for any fan looking to immerse themselves in the world of the Fab Four.
The Collectible Appeal of the Beatles Lunchbox
Decades after their initial release, Beatles lunchboxes have become highly sought-after collectibles. The combination of nostalgia, pop culture significance, and limited production years has propelled the value of these lunchboxes in the collector’s market. Jeff Augsburger, a collector and author, states, “The blue 1965 lunchbox was the first item I wanted to collect.” Finding a lunchbox in mint condition with the original thermos intact is the ultimate prize for many collectors.
The Rarity of the Blue Thermos Bottle
The Beatles Lunchbox
While the Beatles lunchbox itself is a coveted collectible, the blue thermos bottle is often the most challenging piece to find. Due to its fragility and frequent use, many thermos bottles were discarded or damaged over the years. As a result, finding an original blue thermos in excellent condition adds significant value to a collector’s ensemble. The scarcity of these thermos bottles contributes to their allure and drives up their market price.
Reproductions: A New Wave of Beatles Lunchboxes
In 2013, Factory Entertainment released reproductions of the iconic Beatles lunchbox for fans to enjoy. These replicas closely resemble the original design but can be distinguished by a modern barcode on the bottom. While these reproductions allow fans to own a piece of Beatles memorabilia, they lack the historical authenticity and value associated with the original Aladdin Industries lunchboxes.
Alternative Designs: The Beatles Brunch Bag and Air Flite Lunchbox
Alongside the classic metal lunchbox, alternative designs also emerged to cater to different preferences. One such design was the ‘Girl’s vinyl’ or ‘The Beatles Brunch Bag,’ a light blue soft vinyl box with an oval shape. This package, released in 1965 by Aladdin Industries, featured the Beatles group pictured on the front and included a blue thermos bottle with Beatles faces on one side and the band playing instruments on the other. Aladdin also issued a lunchbox after their official manufacturing license expired. In 1967 they made a Brunch Bag and Thermos called ‘Combo,’ with an image of two guitarists and one drummer combo on a similar aqua blue background. Additionally, Air Flite produced a lunchbox for the U.S. market featuring Beatles images and signatures, with “Air Flite” printed in the lower right-hand corner of the picture.
Conclusion
The Beatles lunchbox remains an enduring symbol of 1960s pop culture and a cherished piece of Beatles memorabilia. Its significance goes beyond its practical purpose, representing a statement of identity and a connection to a beloved band. Whether you’re a lunchbox collector or a Beatles enthusiast, the Beatles lunchbox and its accompanying blue thermos bottle hold a nostalgic charm that transports us to an era of music, fandom, and youthful exuberance.
NEMS and the Business of Selling Beatles Merchandise in the U.S. 1964-1966 (2ND EDITION)
The book covers the approximately 150 licensed items that dotted store shelves and helped fuel the band-crazed fan during the time right after the band landed in America and performed on The Ed Sullivan Show. Toys, games, dolls, jewelry, clothing, wigs, and more!
A new massive privately published photo book by noted Italian Beatles collectors Fulvio Fiore and Alex Franchi about The Beatles in Italy. Over 500 pages of photos. I bought a copy today for my collection. Interested parties can contact Alex Franchi at the email soundlover30@hotmail.com
A Look Inside The Beatles in Italy Book
Inside the Beatles in Italy bookInside the Beatles in Italy bookInside the Beatles in Italy bookInside the Beatles in Italy bookInside the Beatles in Italy bookThe Beatles in Italy book
This is a beautiful book. Well done to the authors
Though there was an excellent Derek Taylor biography with the limited edition Genesis book, “Fifty Years Adrift,” and a book that Derek authored about the 20th anniversary of Sgt Pepper, and a title of more general musical memories entitled “As Time Goes By,” this Derek Taylor biography by author Andrew Darlington is an underrated book detailing the importance and relevance of this character in the Beatles story!
Done with the cooperation of the Taylor family, I certainly enjoyed this book dealing with the wit, wisdom, and intelligence of this Beatles confidante. Only Neil and Mal could rival or exceed the importance of Derek in the inner circle of the Beatles!
Derek Taylor For Your Radioactive Children
Derek Taylor For Your Radioactive Children
Derek Taylor For Your Radioactive Children
Derek Taylor For Your Radioactive Children
It Was Twenty Years Ago
1987 Touchstone Edition-Derek’s analysis of the 20th anniversary of the epic Beatles LP and all the cultural changes surrounding those years. An excellent book.
It Was Twenty Years Ago Today
As Time Goes By
As Time Goes By
1983 Edition published by Popular Culture Ink which at one time was known as Pierian Press
As Time Goes By
Straight Arrow Books, Incorporated-1973 edition
As Time Goes By
Davis-Poynter 1973 hardcover edition
As Time Goes By
Derek Taylor – Genesis
Derek’s Genesis Publications limited edition “Fifty Years Adrift” book-though a fabulous book, most of the Beatles book collecting audience is not privy to it’s contents due to the limited nature of it’s release. There were only two thousand copies issued and to the best of my knowledge the book has never appeared in any other edition. That truly is a shame! All copies of this edition were signed by Derek!
Fifty Years Adrift
The rarest Derek Taylor book of them all. Only 100 copies of this edition of the “As Time Goes By” book were issued by Genesis Publications. All copies were signed by Derek.
Fifty Years Adrift
Derek Taylor Beatles trivia question
What prominent Beatles song from the White Album did Derek Taylor contribute lyrics to? There may be more than one answer to this question! Let me know in the comments below.
From Tony Hanley
I loved the Derek Taylor post as I met him (as a kid) on quite a few occasions, and it brought back some great memories, so I thought I would share the attached and following, if you want to share with your followers.
During school holidays, I would catch the train up to London to spend the day with Tom at his Museum Street studio On one occasion when my Dad visited the Apple (or WEA) offices, During the day, if he needed to go somewhere it was often within walking distance, and it was always great news if he said we were off to visit Derek Taylor. I always remember Derek as a generous, lively, happy individual.
So off we would trundle to see Derek, who looking back, you might say that was ‘bordering on the eccentric’ or ‘had a massively creative brain’, or both, either way, he was always immensely welcoming and I knew that to keep me amused while Tom and Derek talked ‘shop’, Derek would first walk me to a secretary and say ‘get Tony a coke’, and sit him down over there. ‘Over there’ was where the finished albums were on many shelves and I was always told ‘there you go, help yourself’. At the embarrassment of my dad, Tom, I would always try and carry as much as my own body weight, in a box, to which Tom would say ‘you’re not taking all that lot, now go and put some back!’, to which I would reluctantly comply.
I often wondered why some of the albums that I managed to take away had a full album cover, but the vinyl had no record label, just a white disc marked ‘promo copy only – not for resale’ needles to say 50 something years later, of course I know what they were, and I’m sure that some of them must be of immense value today, had I have kept them.
Besides giving some to my mates, or repeatedly playing some to the point of nearly wearing them down, some 6 or 7 house moves later, they are sadly no more. The upside is that one of the albums from Apple was ‘That’s the way God planned it’ by Billy Preston, not that it converted me to religion, as that was the album that introduced me to his honey like voice, fantastic (Hammond) organ sound, and an introduction to blues music, which was a wonder to behold. I am forever in awe of Billy Preston’s incredible talent.
There you go – just a fond memory of Derek Taylor.
Here are 5 Induction booklets that were issued by the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland to mark the Beatles’ induction to the Hall of Fame, as well as the 4 individual solo induction programs of John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
I was fortunate to be able to buy all five programs from eBay and I have no regrets about purchasing them for the collection despite the high asking prices.
Hope you enjoy them!
The 1994 John Lennon induction program
When John Lennon was Inducted in 1994
1999 induction program for Paul McCartney
1999 Induction of Paul McCartney
2004 Induction Program for George Harrison
2004 When George Was Inducted
The 2015 induction program that inducted Ringo Starr
The publication of this book has had it’s release date pushed back a few times. I spoke to Helen Anderson, who was John and Cynthia’s Art College classmate, and she told me that she believes that Michael Feeney Callan is doing an excellent job of research for the book. She was interviewed for the book and she believes in earnest, that it will be an excellent and informative title.
Looking forward to this book! The researcher is attempting to get the most thorough portrayal of the subject matter and this takes both time and perseverance.
The Beatles and the Women Who Loved Them: Hardcover
by Michael Feeney Callan (Author)
Publisher : Hachette Books
Amazon UK Description:
Here, for the first time, is an intimate look inside the Beatles and their relationships with their muses, the women who shared the Beatles’ lives from their teens, through Beatle-mania to the breakup. In evaluating the lives of these storied women, the book charts unrecorded collaborations and the startlingly revelatory autobiographical nature of the band’s most famous songs. It also unfolds as an eye-opening alternative history of the forces that brought the Beatles together and ultimately tore them apart.
John “Buzz” Bezzini
Latest Best-Selling Books at the Beatles Bookstore
