Dawn Swane with The Beatles

These intimate scenes of the Fab Four clowning around before a TV special (The Music of Lennon & McCartney) were captured by Dawn Swane, an Australian dancer and make-up artist who was working at Granada TV in Manchester. Although they’re at the height of their fame, and suavely camera-ready in their uniform of mop tops and suits, The Beatles’ irreverent spirits erupt in muggings and comedy scowls for the camera. ‘We were all drinking some champagne ...’ said Swane. ‘They were a nice group of people. They really were.’  

Swane’s career took her around the world, with her Super8 camera in tow. Her collection of home movies and video recordings were donated to us by her daughter, production designer Melinda Doring. 

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