Cecil Beaton (1904-1980), Photographer, designer and writer
Sitter associated with 308 portraits
Artist associated with 1005 portraits
Born in Hampstead, Beaton became interested in photography as a young boy, inspired by postcards showing actresses of the period. His career as a portrait photographer took off after meeting the Sitwells in 1926. In 1927 he signed his first contract with Vogue, with which he was associated throughout his life. During the war he worked for the Ministry of Information, recording the war in Britain, the Middle and Far East. After the war he developed as a designer for stage, film, ballet and opera, working with Noel Coward and others. His most famous stage production was My Fair Lady (1956), the musical based on Shaw's Pygmalion. He was awarded two Oscars for the film version in 1965.
by Anthony Wysard
pencil, ink and wash on board, 1930
NPG 6438
by Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent
pencil, chalk and wash, 1943
NPG 6137
by Angus McBean
vintage bromide print, 1949
NPG P1294
by Unknown photographer
bromide postcard print, 1906
NPG x40653
Reginald Beaton; Cecil Beaton; Etty Beaton
by Lallie Charles (née Charlotte Elizabeth Martin)
photogravure reproduction, 1908
NPG x126125
by Unknown photographer
vintage bromide print, circa 1908
NPG x40654
by Unknown photographer
bromide print, 1910s
NPG x40410
by Grigg
bromide print on tissue and card mount, circa 1920
NPG x30310
by Hay Wrightson
sepia-toned bromide print on card and tissue mount, 1920s
NPG x30313
by Lafayette (Lafayette Ltd)
bromide print on cream-toned paper, 1920s
NPG x30312
by Peter North
cream-toned bromide print on page mount, 1920s
NPG x30322
by Peter North
cream-toned bromide print on page mount, 1920s
NPG x30323
by Peter North
cream-toned bromide print on page mount, 1920s
NPG x30324
by Peter North
cream-toned bromide print on page mount, 1920s
NPG x30325
by Peter North
cream-toned bromide print on page mount, 1920s
NPG x30326
by Peter North
cream-toned bromide print on page mount, 1920s
NPG x30327
Art
Literature, Journalism and Publishing
Groups
London
Photographers
United States
Wiltshire
Writers and critics
- Charles Dickens: Life & Legacy
Until 22 April - The Queen: Art and Image
From 17 May - Augustus John: A Life in Portraits
Until 18 March
- The Queen: Art and Image
Until 29 April - Lecture: Dickens 2012: Great Expectations
17 May, 13:15
