LONDON.- A new display of photographs by Ringo Starr opened at the National Portrait Gallery.

To coincide with the September 21 publication of the book Photograph by Ringo Starr (Genesis Publications) the display opens his personal archives to gallery visitors for the first time.

From behind the drums to behind the lens, Photograph by Ringo Starr (from 9 September 2015) gives an unprecedented insight into the life of one of the world's greatest musicians. Rare and unseen photographs taken by Ringo Starr documents his childhood, The Beatles and his travels.

Ringo Starr says: ‘These are shots that no one else could have taken. Together they chart the story of four lads from Liverpool trying to live normal lives amidst the frenzy that surrounded them. I have always loved taking photos. All the Beatles had cameras – I think we bought a whole load on our first tour of Japan – but I’d been snapping away for a while before that. We always had a real photographer around us, like Dezo Hoffman and Bob Freeman who took a lot of photos of The Beatles for our album covers. But I took pictures of them photographing us – and I had a unique perspective of that incredible period of our lives. I hope you’ll enjoy a few unique Beatles memories with me.’

20 portraits can be purchased, each one as part of a limited edition of 25, for £1,900 (including vat) framed. The Limited Edition Prints are on display in the Gallery’s Print Sales Gallery and Bookshop Gallery from 9 September for a minimum of four weeks and may be purchased, subject to availability, on line or in person.

Ringo Starr's new book Photograph by Ringo Starr is available to purchase at the Gallery, on an exclusive basis, two weeks ahead of publication.

The Print Sales Gallery and Bookshop Gallery not only displays high quality prints, ranging from historic images to contemporary photographs, in both open and limited editions, but also makes available prints made from selected original negatives held in the Gallery’s Archive. Visitors can buy prints unframed, or use the Gallery’s bespoke framing service using museum-standard materials.

Perry Bushell, Head of Retail, National Portrait Gallery, London, says: ‘The National Portrait Gallery Shop is delighted to be launching Photograph by Ringo Starr and to be displaying Ringo’s prints from the book – some of which are on sale for the very first time. The book and the prints are a fantastic record of Ringo’s early years and his close relationship with Paul, John and George is shown in these rarely seen photographs.’