Angus McBean
(1904-1990), PhotographerSitter in 79 portraits
Artist associated with 283 portraits
Began his career in the theatre as mask-maker and scenery designer before turning to full-time theatre photography. McBean is renowned for his theatrical and inventive photography of the 1930s and 1940s. Imitated throughout his career, his influence especially in advertising is still prominent today. In 1935 he opened his own studio; and his prominent style was soon being published in glossy magazines. The Surrealist Exhibition in 1936 was an influence on McBean's theatrical portraits. After the Second World War he opened a larger studio in Covent Garden, and in the 1940s and 1950s was inundated with commissions from theatre companies. In the 1960s McBean photographed the Beatles for their first album.
by Angus McBean
vintage bromide print, circa 1930s
NPG Ax183848
by Angus McBean
vintage bromide print, circa 1930s
NPG Ax183850
by Angus McBean
vintage bromide print, 1930s
NPG Ax183852
Angus McBean in costume as 'Neptune' for the Old Vic Ball
by Angus McBean
vintage bromide print, 1933
NPG Ax183845
Angus McBean in costume as 'Neptune' for the Old Vic Ball
by Angus McBean
vintage bromide print, 1933
NPG Ax183846
Angus McBean with Mae West model
by Angus McBean
vintage bromide print, 1934
NPG Ax183860
by John Vickers
vintage bromide print, 1938
NPG Ax183862
by Angus McBean
chlorobromide print, 1939
NPG x39301
by Angus McBean
vintage bromide print, 1939
NPG Ax183879
by Angus McBean
vintage bromide print, 1940
NPG Ax183855
by Angus McBean
vintage bromide print, circa 1940
NPG Ax183859
by Angus McBean
vintage bromide print, 1941
NPG x127125
by Angus McBean
bromide print photomontage, 1950
NPG x39302
by Angus McBean
bromide print photomontage, 1951
NPG x39303
by Angus McBean
bromide print, 1952
NPG x39304
by Angus McBean
bromide print, 1953
NPG x39305
by Angus McBean
bromide print, 1954
NPG x39306
by Angus McBean
bromide print, 1955
NPG x39308
by Angus McBean
bromide print photomontage, 1955
NPG x39309
by Angus McBean
bromide print photomontage, 1956
NPG x39318
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Theresa Mackey
03 October 2022, 18:57
Yes. My great aunt Gladys had all of his personal Christmas Cards. She was his PA.