Michael Arlen

1 portrait by Cecil Beaton

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Michael Arlen

by Cecil Beaton
pencil, 1930s?
26 in. x 21 1/8 in. (661 mm x 535 mm) overall
Given by Richard C.S. Jordan in memory of Peter Douglas, 1993
Primary Collection
NPG 6231

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  • Cecil Beaton (1904-1980), Photographer, designer and writer. Artist or producer associated with 1113 portraits, Sitter associated with 360 portraits.

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Christopher Astbury

28 April 2021, 22:32

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Arlen

Arlen and Beaton worked on a book together.

Illustration for "A Young Man Comes To London", an original short story by Michael Arlen, a promotional book privately published by The Dorchester in London to celebrate its opening in April 1931.


Additional texts by Sir Francis Towle, Professor C.H. Reilly and Sir Malcolm McAlpine. Text illustrations by Cecil Beaton.

Written as a short story is a satirical romance involving two Bright Young Things on the make.

The drama takes place amongst the houses and parties of Mayfair and ends with one of the characters dashing off in a taxi to the new Dorchester Hotel; having just opened that day it is the only place that will give him credit. Arlen himself was a figure of London society and his story perfectly captures the mix of flightiness and bravado of the young 1920s set. Cecil Beaton provides charming illustrations. The second-half of the book is devoted to the building and interiors of the new Dorchester.

The Hotel's developers Sir Francis Towle and Sir Malcolm McAlpine provide 'A Brief History of a New Enterprise' and 'Some Facts and Figures about the Dorchester' respectively. Professor C.H. Reilly gives an architect's perspective. The colour plates give an excellent illustration of the interiors. A marvellous social document.