Martin Sharp and Robert Whitaker

In June 1966 Australian artist Martin Sharp arrived in London, after an overland journey from Sydney via South East Asia. One of the first people Sharp hooked up with was fellow Australian photographer Robert Whitaker, who had been in the UK as an official photographer for The Beatles. Sharp remained in resident in London through to the end of 1968 prior to returning to Sydney. During that period he worked with Whitaker on a number of occasions, most notably in development of the record cover art for Cream's LP Disraeli Gears. Less well known are the various collaged photographs the pair worked on, especially during the period 1966-7. Some of these are reproduced below.

1. Robert Whitaker and Martin Sharp, George, Brian and John, collage photograph and pen on paper on mount, 9.5 x 12.75 cm. Offered at auction on 12 December 2019. Catalogue entry: Interesting original vintage glossy 'cut-out' photograph taken by Robert Whitaker in 1966, showing George Harrison and John Lennon lounging with Brian Epstein in the middle, affixed to a 12.75 x 9.5 mount, annotated above Epstein with a humorous speech bubble by designer Martin Sharp (famous for the Disraeli Gears album cover): "I've written a very lovely song I'd like you boys to sing." The reverse is signed in pencil by the photographer, "Robert Whitaker." Unsold. 

2. Robert Whitaker, Martin Sharp surrounded by a halo of smiles on a stick, c-print photograph mounted on board, 122.1 x 183.2 cm. (48.1 x 72.1 in.), 1967.

3. Martin Sharp, Colours, photograph by Robert Whitaker.

4. Robert Whitaker, Martin Sharp with a collection of smiles, photograph, 1967.

5. Robert Whitaker and Martin Sharp, John Lennon, photograph plus oil paint on card. Colour and drawing by Martin Sharp.

6. Disraeli Gears front cover

7. Disraeli Gears back cover

 

References

.......

---------------------

Last updated: 25 April 2021

Michael Organ, Australia (Home)