George Harrison’s The Third Eye to Feature Rare Early Beatles Photos

A new book showcasing George Harrison’s early photographs from his time with The Beatles is arriving later this year, and it will also include a previously unheard song.

Titled The Third Eye: Early Photographs, the book will be published on October 8 through Ebury Spotlight. It brings together more than 200 photographs taken by Harrison between 1963 and 1969, many of which have never appeared together before.

A large number of the photographs are being shared publicly for the very first time. The collection features Harrison’s personal snapshots along with stills taken from his 8mm films, documenting The Beatles during their rapid rise to worldwide fame. The images span key moments including the band's first visit to the United States, as well as time spent in Paris, Australia, Miami, Rishikesh, and Tahiti.

The book has been assembled and curated by Olivia Harrison, the late Beatle’s widow. It also includes an introduction by author Colm Tóibín and a closing essay from Booker Prize winner George Saunders.

In an accompanying essay, Olivia Harrison wrote: “I want to show people, from George’s unique photographic perspective during the Beatles’ early years, that moment when the whole of your life is ahead of you with unknowable possibilities.”

She also explained that the photographs featured in The Third Eye reflect “that spirit that George’s life possessed”.

In addition to the standard hardcover release, a limited deluxe version will also be available. It includes a cloth bound, foil stamped edition presented in a specially designed case, along with a seven inch vinyl featuring a never before released George Harrison song, four photographic prints, and signed, numbered cards from Olivia Harrison.

The announcement arrives as interest in The Beatles continues to grow, with Sam Mendes currently developing his four film project, The Beatles: A Four Film Cinematic Event.

Scheduled for release in April 2028, the films will tell the band's story through the eyes of each individual member. Joseph Quinn has been cast as George Harrison, while Paul Mescal will portray Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson will play John Lennon, and Barry Keoghan has been selected to play Ringo Starr.

The supporting cast features Aimee Lou Wood as Harrison’s first wife Pattie Boyd, Saoirse Ronan as Linda McCartney, Anna Sawai as Yoko Ono, and Mia McKenna-Bruce as Maureen Starkey. However, no actress has yet been announced to portray Olivia Harrison, who first met George in the 1970s before marrying him in 1978.

Boyd recently revealed that no one involved with the upcoming films has contacted her, despite Wood taking on the role. “I could have really told them great stories,” she said.

Meanwhile, McCartney recently described Mescal as “very cute” while speaking about the project, adding with a laugh that the actor “might do a good job” portraying him.

In other Beatles news, fans celebrated the first official Global Beatles Day on June 25, and previously unseen footage of the group's 1964 Top Of The Pops appearance resurfaced after being missing for more than six decades.

Looking ahead, an official fan attraction called The Beatles At 3 Savile Row is expected to open in London in 2027. The venue will be located at the band's former Apple Corps headquarters, the site of their iconic final rooftop performance in 1969.