About the artist
Cecil Beaton, a well known British photographer and designer, gained fame for his sophisticated photographs capturing the upper class. Employing a cinematic approach, his monochrome pictures exhibit arranged poses and inventive settings. Beaton achieved acclaim for his award-winning stage and costume designs, notably for the film "My Fair Lady" (1964). Born into wealth on January 14, 1904, in London, UK, he pursued studies at St. John's College in Cambridge but departed prematurely. As a photographer, Beaton acquired most of his skills through self-education and training under Paul Tanqueray. He garnered employment from esteemed publications like Condé Nast, Vanity Fair, and Vogue. During World War II, Beaton redirected his focus to document the harsh realities of the war in the UK and Europe, fostering an extensive and diverse career. Advocating for integrity and imaginative vision, Beaton famously urged individuals to embrace daring and nonconformity. His works are exhibited in prestigious institutions such as The Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the National Portrait Gallery in London. On January 18, 1980, Cecil Beaton died in Broad Chalke, UK.