Cecil Beaton sketch collection, 1950-1959
Dates
- Creation: 1950-1959
Creator
- Beaton, Cecil, 1904-1980 (1904-1980) (Person)
Biographical / Historical
Sir Cecil Beaton was born in London in 1904. Beaton attended St. John's College, although he never graduated. He signed a contract with Condé Nast to supply Vogue with fashion photographs in 1930. He photographed royalty, movie stars, fashion designs, and cultural elites. His first book, The Book of Beauty, was published in 1930, followed by dozens more which became a platform for him to show off his talent for illustrating. Beaton produced costumes and sets for both stage and screen, winning three academy awards, two for Best Costume Design (Gigi in 1958 and My Fair Lady in 1964) and one for Best Art Direction (My Fair Lady in 1964). Queen Elizabeth II knighted Beaton in 1972.
Full Extent
1 placeholder : 1 linear foot; 21 ink drawings (10 1/2" x 7 1/4") on tissue (one with watercolor), accompanied by 3 sheets (4" x 6") with text describing fabric and color; 4 ink drawings (9 1/2" x 12") (one with 2 fabric swatches attached); 7 preliminary sketches (7" x 10") with text describing color and fabric, accompanied by watercolor sketches (14" x 16 1/2"). Two watercolor sketches of children's swimwear and accompanying photonegative print advertisement. 2 tear sheets.
Language of Materials
Undetermined
Immediate Source of Acquisition
* Possibly transferred from the Museum at FIT, date unknown
* 2012 accrual: Gift of Justin B. Israel and Howard L. Israel: 14" x 20" watercolor of Charles James romper
General
Sir Cecil Beaton was born in London in 1904. Beaton attended St. John's College, although he never graduated. He signed a contract with Condé Nast to supply Vogue with fashion photographs in 1930. He photographed royalty, movie stars, fashion designs, and cultural elites. His first book, The Book of Beauty, was published in 1930, followed by dozens more which became a platform for him to show off his talent for illustrating. Beaton produced costumes and sets for both stage and screen, winning three academy awards, two for Best Costume Design (Gigi in 1958 and My Fair Lady in 1964) and one for Best Art Direction (My Fair Lady in 1964). Queen Elizabeth II knighted Beaton in 1972.
General
Published
- Title
- Cecil Beaton sketch collection, 1950-1959
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- English
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections and FIT Archive Repository