"GEORGE WAS HERE" PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT

A new exhibit featuring rare and personal photos of George Harrison will open in Deerfield Beach, the location of his post-Beatles retreat. The Deerfield Beach Historical Society, in collaboration with the City of Deerfield Beach, is excited to present “George Was Here: The Best Kept Secret in Deerfield Beach.” This special exhibition reveals previously unknown details of Harrison’s stay in South Florida during a crucial time in his career. In November 1970, just after The Beatles‘ breakup and before the release of his solo album All Things Must Pass, Harrison was visiting his aunt and uncle, who lived in Deerfield Beach.

This exhibition includes 18 photos that have never been shown publicly. They capture moments of tranquility and reflection for Harrison as he found peace away from the public eye. During his visit, George stayed with his maternal aunt and uncle, Mimi and Edmund French, who lived in the area from 1967 to 1987. These images offer a unique look into a transformative period for the musician, who was seeking an escape from the fame of Beatlemania.

According to reports, George Harrison requested that locals who recognized him keep his presence a secret until he left the beach town. He used this time to rest after the band’s split and to contemplate his future as a solo artist. Harrison, who was deeply committed to Indian spirituality and meditation, found the quiet beach town a perfect place for reflection. He was joined in South Florida by his then-wife, Pattie Boyd, and the longtime Beatles assistant Mal Evans.

“This is more than just an exhibit; it’s a window into a turning point in the life of George Harrison and in rock history,” said Tom Craig, the photographer who helped organize the exhibition with the Historical Society.

The exhibition is part of a series of Beatles-related events hosted by the Deerfield Beach Historical Society. Other events include a screening of the film A Hard Day’s Night (1964) on October 17, a performance by local band Strawberry Lane on October 24, and a lecture about the photo discovery on November 19. The photo exhibition itself will run on November 7 and 8 at the Johnny L. Tigner Community Center.

George’s visit to Florida came after he had just finished recording his first post-Beatles solo album, All Things Must Pass, which was released on November 27, 1970. The ambitious three-disc album featured many songs that had been previously overlooked by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. The album was a critical success, introducing Harrison’s signature slide guitar and spiritual themes, and proved that he was a major artist in his own right.

“We are honored to share these intimate moments with the public and celebrate the legacy of an artist who left an indelible mark on the world,” said Jeff Fisk, a local historian and Historical Society board member. Fisk will lead the November 19 lecture, where he will discuss the discovery of the photos and the historical research conducted for the exhibit.

The exhibition will feature an opening night reception on Friday, November 7, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with an acoustic duo, Dark Horses, performing music from All Things Must Pass and more. A video archivist will also be on-site to record personal memories from any residents who may have seen Harrison during his visit.

The photographs were recently found in a private collection and have been meticulously restored. This marks the first time they will be shown to the public, making this a must-see event for fans of George Harrison, The Beatles, music history, and the South Florida lifestyle of that era.

Exhibit Details:

“George Was Here: The Best Kept Secret in Deerfield Beach” Photo Exhibit
Friday, Nov. 7 from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 8 from 1-8 p.m.
Johnny L. Tigner Community Center, 435 S.W. 2nd Street, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

🟠Would you like to support the page with a donation? Enter HERE