It’s not an undiscovered Batman story, but a rare, highly desirable George Harrison photograph for sale at a leading British collectibles house.
The penguin picture was signed by Harrison as he launched his 1976 album Thirty Three & ⅓.
A lucky fan managed to get pen in hand at the launch party in the Ambassador West Hotel in Chicago.
It was a great move.
George Harrison was one of the most famous men on earth. And he hated it. He avoided publicity when he could and rarely signed autographs.
The photo reflects that. It shows George in his beloved garden at Friar Park. The penguin was an ornament in a garden that Harrison curated and worked personally.
A perfectly placed signature adds to the charm and value of this possibly unique photograph. Image courtesy of Paul Fraser Collectibles.
Paul Fraser Collectibles are selling the picture. Chairman Paul Fraser said: “Harrison’s autograph is as good as you’ll find in any collection, signed in red ink without a personal inscription.
“It’s a large bold signature in exactly the perfect spot. This is an incredibly rare photograph with perfect provenance. Even without the signature, this is a hard photograph to find.
“This is the only signed copy I have ever seen in my career. It could very possibly be unique.”
Affectionately known as The Quiet One of The Beatles, George Harrison’s legacy has grown since his death in 2001.
Now, some of his songs are acknowledged as among the best in the Beatles canon.
And people want his autograph.
Paul Fraser Collectibles’ own assessment of the autograph market, the PFC 40, records an extraordinary growth in interest in the Fab Four.
A group photo signed by all four has increased in value by 646% since 2000.
But Harrison’s name on its own has gone up 4,000% and continues to grow, increasing in value by 60% in the last year.
Paul Fraser, a renowned Beatles specialist, said: “In terms of its rarity, quality, condition and the delightful portrait, it is by far the best George Harrison signed photograph I’ve handled in years.”
The Harrison Penguin photo, with certificate of authenticity, is on sale at Paul Fraser Collectibles online now.
