These prints will become available the week of March 1, 2022.
This is a limited edition print of Brian Epstein, numbered and signed by John Harbourne. This print is on professional Giclée Hahnemühle Photorag paper [A3: 420 x 297]. He has created only fifty of these to help with the fundraising for the Brian Epstein Legacy Project. Funds raised will be used to create financial and musical instrument opportunities for young people living in Liverpool who would like to further their musical and business education. One copy per individual only. Each print will have a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the artist.
John Harbourne A3 Limited Edition Print, Signed & Numbered (of 50)
BRIAN EPSTEIN PORTRAIT
Artist’s statement by John Harbourne
I’ve often thought that Brian should be commemorated in his hometown for his contribution to Liverpool life and for his remarkable efforts that led to the success of the world’s most popular band, The Beatles. In the summer of 2021 I saw an online post by The Brian Epstein Legacy Project asking for donations to cast the statue created by sculptor Andy Edwards, who had already created a fantastic and popular tribute to The Beatles at Liverpool’s Pier Head. I thought I could offer my services and wanted to get involved in some way. I got in touch with Legacy Project team member Larry Sidorczuk and proposed drawing a portrait of Brian and giving permission to the team to sell prints to generate funds. I was very pleased when my offer to get involved was welcomed.
In my approach to the portrait, one thing was clear in my mind – I wanted it to be a unique portrayal of Brian and not just a copy of a well known photograph. Actually, there aren’t that many good, clear full face shots of him and I spent many weeks searching for just the right one. I didn’t find it. Most of the popular photographs of Brian, such as the Cellarful of Noise cover shot show him covering his face or resting on one hand – perhaps evidence of his shyness?
I set about creating a composite of Brian using his eyes, hair and smile from many different references, in an effort to show the lovely, gentle man that those who really knew him have often described. I’m happy with the likeness, which I hope conveys his sensitive personality.
As well as Brian I knew I wanted to show the NEMS storefront and an impression of his contribution to popular culture. But who else should be in it? The Beatles? Gerry, Cilla and every head he had the pleasure to have known? It could easily have started looking like the Sgt Pepper sleeve and I didn’t want too many distractions, so drew the line with his most famous stars.
I’m pleased with the overall composition and the suggestion of the Beatles in the Cavern, formed by Brian’s hands.