Our latest exhibition at the Barbican Music Library showcases candid photographs, both past & present, by Jill Furmanovsky taken from behind the scenes at London's legendary Abbey Road Studios. It features various prints, photos, artefacts and unique paraphernalia many of which have been supplied directly by Abbey Road.
Jill joined Abbey Road Studios as Artist in Residence in 2017, but has photographed artists and bands at the studio since 1975 when she worked with Pink Floyd during the 'Wish You Were Here' recording sessions. In the mid-nineties she spend time capturing Oasis recording 'Be Here Now'. Her recent work at the studios features Nile Rodgers, Royal Blood, Novelist, Mura Masa, and many more artists, as the addition of two new studios welcomes the next wave of musical talent.
Jill Furmanovsky said: “As a 14-year old devoted member of the Beatles’ Fan Club, I dreamt of being allowed into Abbey Road Studios, so I've never gotten over the thrill of being allowed into that holy building. My first visit was in 1975 with Pink Floyd, who were recording 'Wish You Were Here' and I've subsequently been back many times to photograph some of the world's greatest musicians making music, which was an incredible privilege."
“This exhibition, which is a collaboration with the incredible staff at Abbey Road, will give music fans a chance to see what goes on beyond the famous zebra crossing. Finally, on behalf of the Rockarchive collective, it is a delight to be returning to the Barbican Music Library, which has become unique music-inspired art gallery”.
The 'Inside Abbey Road Studios: Through the Lens of Jill Furmanovsky' exhibition is a collaboration between Abbey Road Studios, Jill Furmanovsky and Barbican Music Library (City of London Corporation) will run from 9 April to 27 June.
Jill’s exhibition is sponsored by Naim Audio & Audio-Technica Ltd.
Library Opening Times:
Mondays & Wednesdays 9.30am to 5.30pm;
Tuesdays & Thursdays 9.30am to 7.30pm;
Fridays 9.30am to 2pm;
Saturdays 9.30am to 4pm;
Closed on Sundays.
Selected prints featured in the exhibition and other Rockarchive work taken at Abbey Road Studios are shown in this collection.
Pink Floyd in Abbey Road making a new album that became 'Wish You Were Here'. Jill Furmanovsky was asked to drop in and shoot some stills
I was asked to shoot a band session at Abbey Road, about a month after the media furore that was going on at the time.
Guitars and equipment on display in Studio Two at Abbey Road during the recording sessions for the Oasis album 'Be Here Now'
David Gilmour recording Wish You Were Here in Studio Two, at Abbey Road in 1975
Contact sheet of Liam Gallagher singing during a recording session for 'Be Here Now' at Abbey Road Studios in October 1996
David Gilmour in Studio 3, at Abbey Road Studios. The band were recording Have a Cigar that day for their new album Wish You Were Here .
Noel Gallagher tuning his guitar on the floor of Studio Two, Abbey Road Studios during the recording sessions for Be Here Now in 1996
Rare colour image of Roger Waters taken by Jill Furmanovsky during the recording sessions for 'Wish You Were Here' at Abbey Road Studios
Noel Gallagher photographed by Jill Furmanovsky whilst recording the Oasis album 'Be Here Now' in 1996
Roger Waters, Roy Harper and Roy's son listen to a playback at Abbey Road Studios. Roy was guest vocalist on Have a Cigar.
Nick Mason & Rick Wright chatting at the mixing desk in Abbey Road Studios whilst working on Wish You Were Here
Noel Gallagher rehearsing in Studio Two at Abbey Road in October 1996 during the recordings for the Oasis album 'Be Here Now'
Contact sheet of Noel & Liam Gallagher larking around during the recording sessions for 'Be Here Now' at Abbey Road Studios in October 1996
Roger Waters messing about in the studio during the 1975 recording sessions for 'Wish You Were Here'
Studio Two in Abbey Road Studios, Liam Gallagher performing during a recording session for 'Be Here Now' in 1996
David Gilmour taking time out during the recordings for 'Wish You Were Here' in 1975
Rick Wright in Studio Two, Abbey Road Studios whilst recording Pink Floyd's album 'Wish You Were Here' in 1975
Relaxing backstage at Abbey Road Studios during the recording of debut album 'The Piper at the Gates of Dawn'
Syd Barrett captured in a candid moment at Abbey Road Studios whilst rehearsing for the recording of 'The Piper at the Gates of Dawn'
Cliff Richard finds a moment to play around with a double bass during a recording session in Abbey Road Studios, London in May 1961.
Paul McCartney and George Martin in an editing suite in Abbey Road Studios in 1984
Early in October 1996 fans found out that Oasis were recording in Abbey Road, and the graffiti outside started showing Oasis content
Candid image of Roger Waters at Abbey Road Studios whilst Pink Floyd finished off recording their debut album
Kate Bush sitting in front of the grand piano in Studio 2 of the famous Abbey Road Studios, London in 1985
Cliff Richard listening to his recording of "A Girl Like You" in Abbey Road Studios in London in 1961
Energetic contact sheet of The Ramones performing at the Hammersmith Odeon, London in 1980
The original Pink Floyd line-up on their first ever photo shoot in Ruskin Park, London
Morrissey performing upside down on a monitor during his Kill Uncle Tour at the Jones Beach Theatre, Wantagh, New York in July 1991
Bob Dylan hanging out on the streets of Portland, Orgeon prior to performing there as part of his Gospel Tour in January 1980.
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Liam Gallagher is best known as the charismatic, self-assured front man of Manchester Britpop band Oasis.
Jill Furmanovsky is one of the greatest ever rock & roll photographers with a huge archive of iconic shots of the world's best music artists
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