Beaton was versatile — he worked for the UK Ministry of Information in World War II — and he regularly infused his photographs with drama and sophistication. Even a seemingly casual shot, such as this 1956 picture of Marilyn Monroe, seems to tell a story.
Capturing Personalities
Beaton developed friendships with many of his subjects, including the reclusive Greta Garbo. By the late ’50s, when this photo was taken, Garbo was rarely seen in public. However, for Beaton, she relaxed and invited him into her home in New York’s Plaza Hotel.Elizabeth Taylor was undoubtedly at home in front of the camera, and this 1953 Beaton photo captures her allure. It is no coincidence that Beaton had an exceptional talent for photographing beautiful women; he served as a staff photographer for Vogue and Vanity Fair in the ’20s and ’30s.Captured by Beaton in 1941, this photograph of Vivien Leigh showcases his ability as both a photographer and a costume designer, as he created some of Leigh’s outfits for various 1940s projects. Nevertheless, his relationship with the actress and her then-husband, Laurence Olivier, eventually deteriorated over perceived slights.This stunning photograph of Grace Kelly from 1954 highlights her beauty, though she was not without criticism from Beaton, who remarked about her uneven features in his writings. His keen eye for detail contributed significantly to his portraits.Beaton was known to maintain detailed diaries, and his private judgments could be quite harsh. For instance, he referred to Katharine Hepburn, seen here in the early 1930s, with unflattering descriptions that nevertheless reflected his artistic perspective.Beaton’s portraits of celebrities, including Marlene Dietrich, captured the playful elegance of their personas. This particular shot from 1935 showcases Dietrich looking radiant, despite her unconventional eyebrows.This photograph of Judy Garland from 1953 captures her just before her resurgence with “A Star Is Born.” Although she appears fatigued, the image simultaneously reflects her resilient spirit and readiness for a comeback.Some of Beaton’s most celebrated work involved Audrey Hepburn, who he photographed numerous times. Here, in 1960, he also designed the iconic black-and-white costumes for the Ascot scene in “My Fair Lady.” This collaboration earned Beaton two Oscars for his artistic contributions.
