Richard Imrie

Fresh out of London College of Printing in 1968 with a very amateur portfolio in hand, I was to be found knocking on any door that could be knocked on.

Hearing that Vogue had no fewer than four studios in Hanover Square, I went there looking for a position as a photo assistant. Whether it was my knee length boots, my shoulder length hair or my portfolio, I will never know but the studio manager introduced me to Barney Wan, the art director of British Vogue.

Much to my surprise he said that he may have an assignment for me.

When he phoned me a week later and asked me to photograph a young actress, I felt as though I had won the National lottery. In fact I had, because it launched me on the most exciting career imaginable.

A month or two later I heard that the Beatles had started a philanthropic organization called Apple, the purpose of which was to finance and encourage projects of a cinematic, literary, scientific and musical nature.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.... I was one of hundreds of young photographers and artists to bang on the door of 3 Saville Row, W1. After a long wait in the rarified atmosphere, surrounded by superstars, I showed my work to Derek Taylor, who evidently had just returned from a really good lunch. He flipped through my portfolio and introduced me to the Beatles Photographic Coordinator, Jeremy Banks, who asked me if I had a studio or if I would like one?

I replied the latter and he sent me on my way to my new home at 20 Pimlico Rd.

I later discovered that Jeremy (Austin Powers was inspired by this man) was on his fourth vodka and coke of the afternoon and had not the slightest clue as to who I was. However, the other photographers, John Kelly, Stefan Tishcoe, and Steven Goldblatt made me welcome.