Morrison Hotel Gallery hosted the opening of Pattie Boyd’s photographs Saturday night, where the still-stunning Boyd chatted effusively with guests and old friends (although no Ringo appearance as rumored.) The exhibit focuses on Boyd’s beginning work, giving a remarkable view into a private world that only a Beatle wife – and later, Eric Clapton’s – could have. In one shot, a dreamy eyed, shirtless George gazes into the camera, sunglasses at his side, in a bedside afterglow that only she could have captured. In India, Paul, George, and John laze about chatting, either oblivious to (or so comfortable with) her lens that the division between photographer and subject disappears. Oddly, the Clapton shots – while better, technique-wise, (or so Elise says, being the photographer here) – lack the palpable charisma found in the other photos. Or maybe I’m biased after reading Boyd’s bio.

Her later work – not shown at this exhibit – reflects her further photographic studies and the trained eye of someone who’s comfortable on both sides of the lens, but the naïve charm of these early shots coupled with the insider’s view of a now-mythological time, are not to be missed. The show runs through April 20th. Morrison Hotel Gallery, 7517 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046 323-874-2068

Morrison Hotel Gallery (Elise Thompson)

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Also on last Saturday night: Street artist Blek le Rat had an gallery opening

Elise Thompson contributed to this post.

Special thanks to Rosalind Read and Richard Horowitz of Morrison Hotel.