About the artist
Clifford Coffin, an esteemed Vogue photographer, had a remarkable career spanning London, Paris, and New York. Known for his elegant fashion pictures, Coffin also captured fascinating portraits, providing keen insights into the post-war art and society worldwide. He photographed iconic moments such as Christian Dior's 'New Look' collection and nurtured the careers of well known models. Not limited to fashion, his subjects included Truman Capote, Arthur Miller, Gore Vidal, Lucian Freud, and others. His innovative use of the 'ring light' revolutionised studio lighting for future generations of photographers. Despite his talent, Coffin's self-promotion aversion and unconventional behavior limited his recognition. He retired early due to his deteriorating health caused by his overwhelming workload, alcoholism, and drug addiction. Although his New York studio perished in a fire, his extensive collection with Vogue, preserved for nearly half a century, warrants reappraisal. Clifford Coffin died in 1972 at the age of 58 in Pasadena, California.
