Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite: the poster that inspired The Beatles
See how it was made
Welcome to Kite. We create fascinating, exclusive art prints in open and limited editions
Starting with our famous reproduction of John Lennon’s Victorian circus poster that inspired The Beatles’ Being for the Benefit of Mr Kite!, we go to extraordinary lengths to produce beautiful, museum-quality art that lasts a lifetime.
From our studio in London, England we ship prints all over the world and the people who buy our work love what we make.
Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite: A Limited Edition Print
In 1967 John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote a song called Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite! for the Beatles album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band!. The inspiration – and many of the lyrics – came from a letterpress-printed circus poster from 1843 that Lennon had bought in an antiques shop.
We have lovingly recreated that poster, using antique wooden and metal type as well as specially-commissioned wood engravings. Every print is hand-pulled on a Victorian press and individually numbered.
See the printStephen Hawking's Time Travellers Invitation
Professor Stephen Hawking devised an ingeniously simple experiment to determine whether time travel into the past was possible. The success of the experiment entirely depends on his invitation being seen by time travellers.
To tie in with this experiment, and with Professor Hawking's approval, we have created this poster printed in two letterpress limited editions and an open edition. It was meticulously assembled using antique wooden and metal type. Purchasing this print may help to prove that time travel is possible!
See the print
Happy birthday Abbey Road!
Released on September 26, 1969, Abbey Road showcased The Beatles at the zenith of their creative powers. From the iconic cover art depicting the Fab Four striding across the zebra crossing, to the last harmonious notes of ‘The End’, the album exudes innovation and brilliance. Over half a century later, Abbey Road remains a timeless classic.
We’re featured in Neil deGrasse Tyson’s new book 'To Infinity and Beyond'
Our Time Travellers Invitation print, which was created as part of Professor Stephen Hawking’s famous time travel experiment, has inspired curious minds and attracted the scientific community for years. It features in the permanent collection of the UK’s Science Museum, it’s been seen on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and adorns the walls of countless time travel enthusiasts around the world. We're delighted that this print has achieved such wide renown.
A Beatles playlist for autumn
As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, there's something enchanting about the autumn season that pairs perfectly with the timeless melodies of The Beatles. Whether you're taking a scenic drive, sipping a PSL, or simply enjoying the ambiance, here's a handpicked playlist of Beatles songs to provide the perfect soundtrack for your autumn activities.
The Beatles' first ever studio recording
On 4 September 1962, a significant chapter in music history unfolded as The Beatles stepped into the recording studio for the very first time.
