Nine Cecil Beaton Illustrations, 1950s-60s

Cecil Beaton (1904-80) was a British photographer, painter, interior designer. He received several prestigious awards for his theater and film designs. Beginning in 1956, he was the costume designer for the Broadway musical My Fair Lady, which went on a US tour in 1957 before a celebrated production continued the following year in London’s West End. Due to Beaton’s popularity, he was hired by the 5th Avenue New York retailer, Bonwit Teller, to produce a collection of bedroom, patio and terrace designs. These nine illustrations feature some of the designs created by Beaton for that collection.

This lot includes nine illustrations by Cecil Beaton including four under glass without frames and five loose leaf.

THE FIRST
Nine illustrations depicting various looks including day evening wear. The figure depictions resemble familiar actors Barbara Streisand, Audrey Hepburn, and Julie Andrews.

Water color on paper.

Approximate Measurements:
Length: 16.75"
Width: 13.5"

THE SECOND
Printed exhibition pamphlet from Sagittarius Gallery in New York reading:
An exhibition of stage designs / Tenderloin, Turnadot, Saratoga, / and Gigi / by / Cecil Beaton / opening Monday, October 17, 1960 / from 2:30 to 7:00 p.m. / through Saturday, October 29, 1960

Approximate Measurements:
Length: 7"
Width (open): 10"

Property from the Estate of Frank McIntosh, Greenport, New York

Condition:

THE FIRST
The overall condition is good though the loose leaf pages have darkened and become brittle along the edges. All the illustrations have yellowed to varying degrees and all have smudges that appear to have originated when the illustrations were drafted. One of the illustrations under glass has the top glass pane broken.

THE SECOND
The overall condition is very good with some light yellowing due to age and a crease on the bottom of the side fold.

Everything is sold 'As Is’. The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. All other condition issues are stated above. To request additional working condition photos, please email us with the lot number. Condition is a matter of opinion of the evaluator and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Clients must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

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Please email for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Timothy Long

Director, Senior Specialist, Couture & Luxury Accessories

[email protected]312.334.4222

Mr. Long has nearly 20 years of experience as a curator of fashion and decorative arts in museums including the Museum of London, the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and the Chicago History Museum. At Hindman, he works with individual clients, collectors, dealers, and museums to bring to auction collections of couture and luxury accessories. Mr. Long’s recent publications include Charles James: Designer in Detail and a chapter on the same designer in London Couture: British Luxury 1923–1975, both published by V&A Publishing.

Spring Fashion: Centuries of Style

Nine Cecil Beaton Illustrations, 1950s-60s

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