What does The Rolling Stone photograph by Terry O'Neill show?

Terry O’Neil captured The Rolling Stones in front of the Tin Pan Alley Club in Denmark Street in London in 1963. This photograph has shown The Rolling Stones in their pre-fame era. The photographer has chosen to capture The Rolling Stones in a more realistic setting by dressing them all in different outfits to represent their own individuality and to show the beginning of their identity.

A Glimpse into The Culture of Royalty

This photograph shows us five members of The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman, Brian Jones and Charlie Watts. Although this photograph has been set up, O’Neil has made The Rolling Stones look real. They have all been dressed differently to show their individuality and are in relaxed poses.

O’Neil was hired by The Rolling Stones to take the photographs after taking photographs of The Beatles in 1963. He photographed The Rolling Stones in Denmark Street, which is known for its music shops and songwriters. This helped create an identity for The Rolling Stones.

Rather than capturing them practicing or in a more personal setting, this has been set up as a street portrait. It holds great significance as it has captured The Rolling Stones in their early days.

Collecting Advice

When collecting Terry O’Neils photographs of The Rolling Stones be aware that there are variations between the images of The Rolling Stones and the prints. There can be variations in the printing date, method, number in the edition and signing. Phillips has documented a gelatin silver print of The Rolling Stones from 1963 which has been signed and numbered by Terry O’Neil. It is part of an edition of fifty.

Curatorial Context & Collector Advisory