Linda McCartney 'Ram' proof photograph 1971

An original black and white proof photograph of Paul McCartney by Linda McCartney, taken during the sessions for the album Ram, circa 1971.

The photograph shows Paul with his 1967 Non - reverse Gibson Firebird VII during the recording of his 1971 album ‘Ram’.

Ram was released in May 1971 and remains the only album credited to Paul and Linda McCartney together. It was recorded in New York across late 1970 and early 1971, in the months immediately following the break-up of The Beatles, with Paul having filed suit to dissolve the partnership on the 31st of December 1970. The sessions saw Paul auditioning and playing alongside session musicians, work that led directly to the formation of Wings later that year.

The print is a working proof for the Ram songbook. The image is printed centred on a larger sheet, with darkroom spotting across the borders, tape residue along the top edge, and the handwritten crop notation "96% e." in blue in the lower margin.

This proof comes from the collection of Gary Burden, the designer who worked with Paul and Linda McCartney on the Ram songbook. Of the collaboration, Burden recalled:

“Well, I never did get to make a cover for the Beatles, though I did collaborate with Paul and Linda McCartney on a songbook. We used lots of Linda's photos, and it was cool working with the two of them. It was lots of fun and laughs in clouds of smoke.”

The photograph measures 51 x 40.6 cm.

The condition is good, with spotting and handling wear to the borders.