Artist of the Month: “Beaton’s Beauties”

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Countess Bismarck, photographed by Cecil Beaton in the July 1, 1959 Vogue

In 1930, Cecil Beaton, the celebrated fashion and portrait photographer, published the first of his many books, The Book of Beauty.  The small coffee table book is filled with beauties, from Beaton’s first love, Lily Elsie, to his last, Lady Diana Cooper.  Sandwiched between the two is his selection of socialites, actresses, and artists from America and Britain.

Photographer and illustrator Cecil Beaton, photographed by George Hoyningen-Huené in the June 1934 Vanity Fair

Actress Tallulah Bankhead reflected in multiple mirrors, photographed by Cecil Beaton in the November 1931 Vanity Fair

It is no surprise that Beaton later went to work at Vogue and Vanity Fair.  As a child, he read and clipped the society pages of The Sketch and Tatler, and often lingered around the theater to catch a glimpse of the actresses in their stunning costumes.  He compiled all his sketches and clippings into one rather large portfolio. This ever-expanding portfolio and list of beauties served as the basis for the book.

Among Beaton’s list of lovelies are his sisters, Baba and Nancy Beaton; the eccentric British poet Edith Sitwell; actresses Greta Garbo, Norma Shearer, and Tallulah Bankhead; English star Gertrude Lawrence; and the socialite Countess “Mona” Bismarck, the former Mrs. Harrison Williams and one of the “best dressed” women of the time.  Paired with each portrait is a (somewhat comical) quote from the author about the individual’s beauty.

Bridesmaids at the wedding of Sir Hugh Houston Smiley and Lady Smiley, photographed by Cecil Beaton in the May 1, 1933 Vogue

Duchess of Windsor in ball gown and diamond choker, photographed by Cecil Beaton in the March 1, 1951 Vogue

In the book’s introduction, Beaton asks and replies: “What makes a beauty? We despair; we have little inkling of the secret, for often in no way do beauties resemble one another. Some taunt us with their Rubenesque stature, others are of only modest embonpoint, some are decadent and thin, some as sugary as china shepherdesses, many delight us with their imperfections.”

Cecil Beaton photographs and illustrations at the Condé Nast Store

Profile portraits of the British Sitwell family, by Cecil Beaton in the August 1929 Vanity Fair

British actress Gertrude Lawrence lying in bed, with puppy at her feet, photographed by Cecil Beaton in the June 1934 Vanity Fair

Actress Norma Shearer in profile, an outtake by Cecil Beaton taken for the September 1930 Vanity Fair

British actress Gertrude Lawrence looking at her reflection, unpublished photograph by Cecil Beaton for Vanity Fair

Actress Tallulah Bankhead seated at counter with balloons behind her, photographed by Cecil Beaton in the April 1931 Vanity Fair

Illustration of actress Greta Garbo, by Cecil Beaton in the July 15, 1931 Vogue