Marilyn Monroe
1 portrait by Antony Beauchamp
© reserved; collection National Portrait Gallery, London
Marilyn Monroe
by Antony Beauchamp
glossy bromide print, 1951
162 mm x 182 mm
Purchased, 1987
Photographs Collection
NPG x126696
Artistback to top
- Antony Beauchamp (1918-1957), Photographer; second husband of Sarah Churchill. Artist or producer associated with 7 portraits, Sitter in 6 portraits.
This portraitback to top
In 1949 Beauchamp married the actress Sarah Churchill and moved to Los Angeles. Here he was introduced to Monroe, through her agent Johnny Hyde (1895-1950). Over two weeks he photographed her; some featured a home-made yellow bikini. The photographs featured in numerous publications from 1952 to 1956. Pageant magazine featured an 'international gallery of Beauchamp Beauties' where the photographer described Monroe as 'particularly sure of herself, and meticulously aware of every angle.'
Linked publicationsback to top
- 100 Photographs, 2018, p. 81 Read entry
Antony Beauchamp (1918-57) opened his London studio in 1939, photographing numerous actresses. (His mother also established herself as the society photographer Vivienne.) In 1949, Beauchamp married the actress Sarah Churchill and moved to Los Angeles. Here he was introduced to the American film actress and model Marilyn Monroe (1926-62) through her agent, Johnny Hyde. Over two weeks he photographed her and the results featured in numerous publications over the following five years.
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1951back to top
Current affairs
The Conservative Party wins the general election and Winston Churchill returns for a second term as prime minister.Art and science
On the centenary of the Great Exhibition of 1851, the Festival of Britain is held as a nationwide celebration of British culture, and as an impetus for post-war regeneration. As well as various art, science and industrial exhibitions and events, a major regeneration project was initiated for the South Bank area of London under the directorship of the architect, Hugh Casson.International
Libya declares its sovereignty from Italian rule, becoming the first independent state to be created by the UN.At the Treaty of San Francisco, 48 nations sign a peace treaty with Japan, officially ending the Pacific War - the last battleground of the Second World War.
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