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Famous photog’s gay lover denied rights to archive

The ailing gay lover and assistant of late fashion photographer Francesco Scavullo spent 34 years toting his equipment and setting up shoots — but now he’ll have to keep his hands off the renowned shutterbug’s valuable archive, a judge has ruled.

Manhattan Surrogate’s Court Judge Rita Mella said the photo trove — including snaps of Andy Warhol sporting a Rolex and a budding Liza Minnelli — should go to a trust managed by Scavullo’s niece and friend.

Sean Byrnes, Scavullo’s longtime boyfriend and colleague, had sued to take possession of the $1.5 million stash after niece Angela Scott and friend Michael Horowitz insisted Scavullo did not mean to give the prints outright to Byrnes.

The judge agreed with Scott and Horowitz, but in accordance with the will, Byrnes will receive any income generated by the archives.

Byrnes’ sister and legal guardian, Anne Kramer, declined to comment, as did Scott and Horowitz’s lawyer.