WHAT? Cecil Beaton’s Fashionable World

WHERE? The National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place, London WC2H 0HE

WHEN? Now until 11th January 2026

WHY GO? For a glorious frothy fashion trip. As truculent as he was talented, Cecil Beaton has inspired generations of fashionistas, provocateurs, artists and photographers and his legacy will always be one of glamorous society. Intrinsically linked to Vogue, who employed him for much of his career, he even managed to annoy them with an antisemitic slur that got him temporarily banned. But this blockbuster is all about celebrating the stylish world of Beaton’s contribution to fashion, as a photographer, artist and designer. It charts his life, from the age of 10 when he glammed up his sisters in his first Box Brownie photographs, to his death in 1980 after he began to orchestrate his formidable archive. Beaton was still stylishly receiving society while tending his garden at Reddish House, his beloved final home that must certainly have seen a few rakish parties over the years. Images of everyone who was anyone, brilliantly curated by Robin Muir, cover every inch of gallery space, some blown up and others sequestered away in handwritten scrapbooks. From regal sittings with Royals like Princess Margaret (flatteringly portrayed Fragonard-style) to the grand finale, his legendary collaboration with Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady, which resulted in a long and happy relationship, though not with the director, George Cukor, whom he considered “vulgar”! There could only ever be one Cecil Beaton and this glorious frothy trip begs to be seen over and over again.

IN THE KNOW Of all the beautiful women Beaton photographed throughout his career, some liaisons still intrigue. Did he or did he not have an affair with Greta Garbo as some say? Though it still hangs in the air, he was emphatically known to have adored Fred Astaire’s sister Adele. Both pop up throughout the exhibition. Perhaps some secrets are best left uncovered!