SGT . PEPPER ’ S SUITS A PERFECT FIT FOR THE BEATLES STORY
W L
SGT . PEPPER ’ S SUITS A PERFECT FIT FOR THE BEATLES STORY
The Beatles Story has unveiled its newest exhibits to mark 50 years since the era-defining Sgt . Pepper ’ s Lonely Hearts Club Band album was recorded .
Top of the bill is a full set of Sgt . Pepper ’ s suits . The suits were made by Noel Howard , one of the team who designed the original suits in 1967 which adorned the cover of Sgt . Pepper ’ s Lonely Hearts Club Band and instantly became one of pop music ’ s most recognisable outfits .
As the originals were kept by the individual estates of the fab four , they have never all been on show together since , making this the only authentic set of the much-imitated suits available for the public to see .
Noel Howard made the replicas in 2000 , using the exact measurements , materials and accessories as were used for the originals . The extremely detailed process involved sourcing materials from around the globe , delving back into the archives from the fittings and even getting special dispensation from Ottawa Police Department . Some of the files charting the process are on show alongside the suits themselves .
Another major new addition to the Sgt . Pepper ’ s room at The Beatles Story is an alternative print of the album cover . It ’ s a little known fact that Sir Peter Blake shot alternative covers to the album , which were discarded in favour of the famous one . The alternative uses the familiar collage backdrop to the original , but makes some small alterations including the positions of each Beatle .
This cover is widely unknown , and this print is one of only 100 given to senior EMI executives in 1987 to mark the record ’ s 20th anniversary .
Next to the suits will be a limited edition reproduction of the poster which inspired Being for the Benefit of Mr . Kite ! The original poster was bought by John Lennon from an antiques shop , before he hung it in his music room in Weybridge . He not only took the title from the print , but also most of the lyrics to the famously surreal song . Visitors will be able to trace what is borrowed and the changes he made to the original .
The items are the first in a series of major memorabilia additions planned by the landmark Liverpool attraction to mark the 50th anniversary of the album ’ s release , and tie in with the wider ’ 50 Summers of Love ’ programme taking place across the city . They will be on show to the public from 1st February , to mark 50 years since the day the band started recording the title track for the album .
Martin King of The Beatles Story , said : “ The Sgt . Pepper ’ s Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover is almost as iconic as the music itself , and indeed is one of the defining images of the 1960s . At the very centre of that are the resplendent custommade suits worn by the band , which have gone on to become some of the most recognisable outfits ever worn .
“ These suits , which are the closest thing anyone will see to the original set , were one of the key items on our wish-list to mark this momentous anniversary and the sheer level of detail and craftsmanship is astonishing .
“ Then there ’ s the Being for the Benefit of Mr . Kite ! poster and the alternative album photograph , which carry a fascinating glimpse of how this famous album came together . It ’ s a privilege to bring these three rare items on public display and together they make a perfect centre piece to our Sgt . Pepper ’ s room .” wirrallife . com 9