The Genius That Was Cecil Beaton.
Posted: Sat Dec 17, 2011 5:19 am
I am currently doing research on Cecil Beaton, probably the most famous photographer of all time. This photograph of Her Majesty the Queen was taken by Cecil Beaton and if I had a favourite photo of Queen Elizabeth ll, it would undoubtedly be this one.
I am fortunate enough to own a portrait study done by Cecil Beaton of a millionaire who was one of my best customers when I was still actively involved in the Antique and Fine Art trade. I did a great deal of art valuation for him and when he died he left instructions in his will that I should handle the sale of his assets.
As the gentleman concerned (I will call him Frankie), was gay, he had no family and as his partner had already passed away, the Cecil Beaton photograph was just packed up and given to me with the rest of his artwork to dispose of as I saw fit.
As he had always been a very private person, I knew that he had entrusted me with the sale of his assets simply because he knew that I would be discreet. In fact he did mention in his will that a certain “party” should NOT be allowed in his penthouse apartment, nor should this person be allowed to purchase anything from his estate.
So I knew for sure that if I put his photograph up for sale to be purchased by any Tom, Dick or Harry, he would haunt me for the rest of my life! In any event I decided to take the picture home and it now hangs in one of the bedrooms in my own place.
The photograph was taken of him when he was a devastating beautiful young man and I can imagine how in demand his company must have been. In fact I learned much later that as a youth he was passed back and forth among the god-mothers of the gay community for some time, such was his beauty.
I am hoping that in my research on Cecil Beaton I might even find some reference to Frankie, as I am certain that he must have made a lasting impression on the great, gay photographer.
I am fortunate enough to own a portrait study done by Cecil Beaton of a millionaire who was one of my best customers when I was still actively involved in the Antique and Fine Art trade. I did a great deal of art valuation for him and when he died he left instructions in his will that I should handle the sale of his assets.
As the gentleman concerned (I will call him Frankie), was gay, he had no family and as his partner had already passed away, the Cecil Beaton photograph was just packed up and given to me with the rest of his artwork to dispose of as I saw fit.
As he had always been a very private person, I knew that he had entrusted me with the sale of his assets simply because he knew that I would be discreet. In fact he did mention in his will that a certain “party” should NOT be allowed in his penthouse apartment, nor should this person be allowed to purchase anything from his estate.
So I knew for sure that if I put his photograph up for sale to be purchased by any Tom, Dick or Harry, he would haunt me for the rest of my life! In any event I decided to take the picture home and it now hangs in one of the bedrooms in my own place.
The photograph was taken of him when he was a devastating beautiful young man and I can imagine how in demand his company must have been. In fact I learned much later that as a youth he was passed back and forth among the god-mothers of the gay community for some time, such was his beauty.
I am hoping that in my research on Cecil Beaton I might even find some reference to Frankie, as I am certain that he must have made a lasting impression on the great, gay photographer.