George Harrison’s former No.1 album All Things Must Pass returns to the top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart for the first time since 1971, as the set re-enters at No. 7 (on the Aug. 21-dated list) following its 50th anniversary reissue on Aug. 6.
The album was newly mixed and reissued in a variety of formats for its re-release. All versions of the album, including the original 1970 release, are combined for tracking and charting purposes.
Recently, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of All Things, a project featuring a recreation of its famous cover as a public, living art installation became available for public view in London’s Duke of York Square, King’s Road, Chelsea. It pays tribute to George’s love of nature, of gardening, and to his wry sense of humor.
Designed by renowned floral artist Ruth Davis, of All For Love London, it will be available to visit until August 20. The interactive art features gigantic versions of two gnomes, the largest measuring five meters, which have been created out of flowers and foliage, bark, grasses and moss. They sit atop a large circle of turf in a meaningful and sacred shape, and are surrounded by the seasonal, impermanent beauty that Harrison embraced during his life.
In the center of the display is a wooden stool and a pair of rubber gardening boots of exaggerated size, similar to those on the All Things Must Pass cover. Visitors are invited to take a seat, put their feet in the boots and create their version of the classic album artwork while they enjoy the garden.
To further mark the deluxe releases, two smaller gnomes can be seen outside Abbey Road Studios, where the album was recorded in 1970, and another near Duke Of York Square, leading the way to the installation.
Says Olivia Harrison: “The missing Victorian gnomes just happened to be returned to Friar Park [Harrison’s home] the morning that George was setting up the album cover shot, and that is how they ended up at his feet and here today. I have heard a rumor that gnomes are looked down upon by some gardeners but who have gnomes ever harmed?”
Buy or stream the 50th anniversary editions of All Things Must Pass.
