Four decades and one year ago, on Aug. 8, 1969, photographer Iain Macmillan had 10 minutes to take photos of The Beatles as they crossed the street on Abbey Road, St. John’s Wood, London. Macmillan stood on a 10-foot step ladder placed in the middle of Abbey Road at 11:30 a.m. and took six pictures.
Reuters reported on Thursday: “The most famous pedestrian crossing in popular music, outside Abbey Road Studios in north London, was designated a site of national importance by the British government. Beatles fans from around the world flock to the road to pose for photographs imitating the picture on the ‘Abbey Road’ album cover which shows Paul, John, George and Ringo strolling over the crossing.
“’This London zebra crossing is no castle or cathedral but, thanks to the Beatles and a 10-minute photoshoot one August morning in 1969, it has just as strong a claim as any to be seen as part of our heritage,'” said the UK minister of tourism.
Coincidentally, the Abbey Road suit worn by John Lennon in the photo shoot will be sold at auction in Connecticut. The wool-blend custom made suit is among several items being auctioned by Braswell Galleries on New Year’s Day. Auction house co-owner Gary Braswell says the owner of the jacket and other items decided to sell after experiencing some economic hardships. The suit and blazer previously sold for $120,000 in 2005.