CECIL BEATON “PORTRAITS”

HAPPENINGText: Christina Merl

KunstHaus Wien presents “Cecil Beaton. Portraits“, an exhibition from the National Portrait Gallery, London.


Cecil Beaton, Marlene Dietrich, 1935, Collection National Portrait Gallery, Courtesy of Sotheby’s, London

Sir Cecil Beaton (1904-1980) is one of the most celebrated British photographers. Gifted with an abundant and flamboyant sense of style Beaton was in love with the worlds of high society, theatre, and glamour. Beauty in his hands was transformed into elegance, fantasy, romance and charm. In fact, his fashion photographs, portraits of celebrities, designs for theatre and film mark him as one of the first international multi media artists.


Cecil Beaton, Marilyn Monroe, 1956, Collection National Portrait Gallery, Courtesy of Sotheby’s

For many years Beaton was a major contributor to Vogue in London, Paris and New York. His long and varied career and his ability to attune himself to changing fashions enabled him to capture a diverse range of subjects on camera, from Marlene Dietrich to Charlotte Rampling, from Salvador Dali to Francis Bacon, from Audrey Hepburn to Marilyn Monroe.


Cecil Beaton, Audrey Hepburn wearing a clown’s collar, 1954
Vogue, Collection National Portrait Gallery © The Conde Nast Publications Ltd.

This new and extensive retrospective presented in the KunstHaus Wien celebrates the remarkable life and achievements of the avant-garde, yet quintessential, Englishman. A catalogue with 80 full colour and 150 duotone illustrations, published by National Portrait Gallery Publications, London, accompanies the exhibition.

Cecil Beaton. Portraits
Date: October 7th, 2004 – January 9th, 2005
Place: KunstHaus Wien
Address: 13 Untere Weissgerberstrasse, 1030 Wien
Tel: +43 1 712 0491
information@kunsthauswien.com
http://www.kunsthauswien.com

Text: Christina Merl
Photos: Courtesy of KunstHaus Wien © Cecil Beaton

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