In imagining my upcoming solo show Fairyland, the Bright Young Things of the twenties frequently occupy my mind and inspire my hand. Their love of spectacle, the thrill of the theatrical and the giddy truth found in what is so often dismissed as a camp sensibility, delights , encourages and informs my own work . The ethereal beauty Stephen Tenant was an enchanting (if silly) flower to this bouquet , but it was the magician Cecil Beaton who arranged it all.
Beaton had an astonishing career, the breadth of his accomplishments too immense for such a casual post, but a new film, Love, Cecil is to be released exploring this master’s work and life. I’m looking forward to its release.
My inspiration files frequently burst with Beaton’s images, here are a few. I have neglected to make attributions beyond Beaton, I apologize for that. If recognition is due, please message me and corrections will be made.
Cecil Beaton
1927
1927
Beaton , upper right
Tenant, lower left
A masquerade of monarchs.
From impersonating celebrities to capturing their image, this is a beauty.
Cecil Beaton
1953
Edith Sitwell was a recurring muse, and a personally a great favorite. I have countless images of this celebrated woman. I love them all.
Cecil Beaton
Not much is needed to be said…
Cecil Beaton
From celebrity culture to the war effort, all the same Beaton glamor.
Cecil Beaton
Imperial War Museum
(quite fetching)
Closing with one of my favorite images of Dame Edith Sitwell, reminds me of Cerberus of course. This image taken the year I was born, 1962. I admire Sitwell’s approach to vanity, aging , beauty; she seemed to understand fully her curious allure.
Cecil Beaton
1962
Have an inspired week.
Boondocks Babylon 