Film UbuWebCecil Beaton (1904-1980)
Beaton (1971) dir. David Bailey
Iconic photographer Cecil Beaton, born 1904, is one of the 20th Century's most celebrated photographers. Educated at Harrow and Cambridge University, Beaton always nurtured a passion for photography.
He started contributing to Vogue Magazine in 1931 and his reputation grew apace. Beloved by Society and the world of theatre, Beaton soon became a favourite of the Royal Family.
His most famous image taken in in 1953 shows HM The Queen in her coronation robes holding the orb and sceptre, against a Westminster Abbey backdrop. Beaton was also a set and costume designer of note and bought this theatricality to his photographs. He famously designed the costumes for the movies My Fair Lady and Gigi.
He was knighted for his contribution to photography and the arts in 1972. He died in 1980.