The previously unseen collection, by world-renowned photographer Anton Corbijn, was put on sale at James Adam salesrooms in Dublin on Tuesday.

Peter Rowen, the young boy, pictured with U2 in its early days

Four prints, accompanied by a hand written note to lead singer Bono, were together estimated to sell for between �5,500 and �8,000.

However, they failed to meet their �5,500 reserve price.

Dutchman Corbijn has been responsible for numerous U2 album covers and is credited with playing a key role in the development of the band's image.

His collection, which included the face of U2's Boy and War albums, went under the hammer as the rock band kicks off its world wide Vertigo tour.

Speaking ahead of the sale, Jane Beattie, head of fine art at James Adam and Sons, said the collection was "very poignant".

Another of the photos going under the hamer in Dublin

In December, a signed photo of the band sold for �8,000 at the same auction house.

The latest collection was catalogued as lot 121 in the auction house's Contemporary and Modern Art Sale.

Anton Corbijn will be publishing a book entitled 'U2 and I' later this year, which chronicles Corbijn's relationship with the band over the past 25 years.