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Cecil Beaton Collection

Cecil Beaton: Capturing the Essence of History Renowned photographer Cecil Beaton has left an indelible mark on the world of art and history with his captivating images

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: HM Queen Elizabeth II with her Maids of Honour, The Coronation, 2nd June 1953. Artist: Cecil Beaton

HM Queen Elizabeth II with her Maids of Honour, The Coronation, 2nd June 1953. Artist: Cecil Beaton
HM Queen Elizabeth II with her maids of honour, Green Drawing Room, Buckingham palace, 2nd June 1953. In selecting six Maids of Honour instead of pages to bear her velvet train throughout

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Interrogation of Aircrews; W. A. A. F. Help In This Work, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

Interrogation of Aircrews; W. A. A. F. Help In This Work, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Interrogation of Aircrews; W.A.A.F. Help In This Work, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Shipbuilding scene, 1941. Artist: Cecil Beaton

Shipbuilding scene, 1941. Artist: Cecil Beaton
Shipbuilding scene, 1941. From Air of Glory, by Cecil Beaton. [His Majestys Stationery Office, London, 1941]

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: HM Queen Elizabeth II with her Maids of Honour, The Coronation, 2nd June 1953. Artist: Cecil Beaton

HM Queen Elizabeth II with her Maids of Honour, The Coronation, 2nd June 1953. Artist: Cecil Beaton
HM Queen Elizabeth II with her maids of honour, Green Drawing Room, Buckingham palace, 2nd June 1953. In selecting six Maids of Honour instead of pages to bear her velvet train throughout

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Physical Training at a Recruits Depot, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

Physical Training at a Recruits Depot, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Physical Training at a Recruits Depot, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Canteen piece, 1941. Artist: Cecil Beaton

Canteen piece, 1941. Artist: Cecil Beaton
Canteen piece, 1941. A soldier orders a cup of tea in the forces canteen at Victoria Station. The soldier pictured was the butler of a close friend of the photographer Cecil Beaton

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Carry On, 1941. Artist: Cecil Beaton

Carry On, 1941. Artist: Cecil Beaton
Carry On, 1941. Men sit in a local pub and follow the governments advice to Keep Calm and Carry On. From Air of Glory, by Cecil Beaton. [His Majestys Stationery Office, London, 1941]

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Actress Audrey Hepburn at the premiere of My Fair Lady in New York

Actress Audrey Hepburn at the premiere of My Fair Lady in New York. Also pictured are Mel Ferrer, Rex Harrison, Jack L Warner and Cecil Beaton. 21st October 1964

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Operations Room, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

Operations Room, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Operations Room, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Nursing Orderly, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

Nursing Orderly, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Nursing Orderly, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: W. A. A. F. Band on Parade, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

W. A. A. F. Band on Parade, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
W.A.A.F. Band on Parade, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: M. T. Driver, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

M. T. Driver, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
M.T. Driver, c1943. MT (motor transport) driver. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: A Station Intelligence Room, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

A Station Intelligence Room, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
A Station Intelligence Room, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: R. A. F. Sergeant Drills Airwomen, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

R. A. F. Sergeant Drills Airwomen, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
R.A.F. Sergeant Drills Airwomen, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: H. R. H. The Duchess of Gloucester, Air Commandant, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

H. R. H. The Duchess of Gloucester, Air Commandant, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
H.R.H. The Duchess of Gloucester, Air Commandant, c1943. Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester(1901-2004) was appointed Senior Controller of the Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF) in 1939

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Off Duty, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

Off Duty, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Off Duty, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Parachute Packers, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

Parachute Packers, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Parachute Packers, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: W. A. A. F. Officers at Their School of Instruction, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

W. A. A. F. Officers at Their School of Instruction, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
W.A.A.F. Officers at Their School of Instruction, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Bomber Crews, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

Bomber Crews, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Bomber Crews, c1943. British Royal Air Force crews preparing to go on a bombing mission during World War II. From " Wings On Her Shoulders", by Katharine Bentley Beauman

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: At A Balloon Centre, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

At A Balloon Centre, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
At A Balloon Centre, c1943. Barrage balloons were used to defend against attack by enemy aircraft. They were raised aloft on cables to create a risk of collision

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Spitfire, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

Spitfire, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Spitfire, c1943. The iconic British Second World War fighter was designed by Reginald Mitchell. Powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Between Fights, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

Between Fights, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Between Fights, c1943. British Royal Air Force pilots relaxing between missions during World War II. From " Wings On Her Shoulders", by Katharine Bentley Beauman

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: On Signals Duty, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

On Signals Duty, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
On Signals Duty, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Night Fighters, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

Night Fighters, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Night Fighters, c1943. British Royal Air Force pilots waiting to go on a mission during World War II. From " Wings On Her Shoulders", by Katharine Bentley Beauman

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Balloon Fabric Workers, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

Balloon Fabric Workers, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Balloon Fabric Workers, c1943. WaFs making barrage balloons. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Crews and Ground Staff, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

Crews and Ground Staff, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Crews and Ground Staff, c1943. British Royal Air Force mechanics preparing aircraft before a bombing mission during World War II

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Summer Day, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

Summer Day, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Summer Day, c1943. WaFs relaxing. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Balloon Operator, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

Balloon Operator, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Balloon Operator, c1943. Woman in waterproofs operating a barrage balloon. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: W. A. A. F. Officer Lectures, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

W. A. A. F. Officer Lectures, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
W.A.A.F. Officer Lectures, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Flight Mechanics; Also a W. A. A. F. Trade, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

Flight Mechanics; Also a W. A. A. F. Trade, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Flight Mechanics; Also a W.A.A.F. Trade, c1943. British Royal Air Force mechanics working on aircraft during World War II

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Corporal and Cadet, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

Corporal and Cadet, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Corporal and Cadet, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: An Examination Will Follow, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

An Examination Will Follow, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
An Examination Will Follow, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Code and Cypher Officer, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

Code and Cypher Officer, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Code and Cypher Officer, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Getting Ready for the Raid, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

Getting Ready for the Raid, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Getting Ready for the Raid, c1943. Bombs being prepared for an RAF raid over Germany during World War Two. From " Wings On Her Shoulders", by Katharine Bentley Beauman

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: In The Reading Room, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

In The Reading Room, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
In The Reading Room, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Watching the Battle, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

Watching the Battle, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Watching the Battle, c1943. WaF watching a dogfight between RAF and German air force planes. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Cadets on the March, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

Cadets on the March, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Cadets on the March, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: P. T. Instructor, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

P. T. Instructor, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
P.T. Instructor, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Repairing Barrage Balloons, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton

Repairing Barrage Balloons, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Repairing Barrage Balloons, c1943. Barrage balloons were used to defend against attack by enemy aircraft. They were raised aloft on cables to create a risk of collision

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Princess Elizabeth with her Infant Son Prince Charles, 1948. Creator: Cecil Beaton

Princess Elizabeth with her Infant Son Prince Charles, 1948. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Princess Elizabeth with her Infant Son Prince Charles, 1948. The future Queen Elizabeth II and her firstborn, Charles Prince of Wales. [Raphael Tuck & Sons Ltd. London, 1948]

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Land Girl, 1941. Artist: Cecil Beaton

Land Girl, 1941. Artist: Cecil Beaton
Land Girl, 1941. From Air of Glory, by Cecil Beaton. [His Majestys Stationery Office, London, 1941]. (Colorised black and white print)

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Covering the road block, 1941. Artist: Cecil Beaton

Covering the road block, 1941. Artist: Cecil Beaton
Covering the road block, 1941. Men of the Home Guard in a dug-out, protected by sandbags, aim their rifles ready for action. From Air of Glory, by Cecil Beaton

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Firewood, 1941. Artist: Cecil Beaton

Firewood, 1941. Artist: Cecil Beaton
Firewood, 1941. Wartime children collect firewood amongst the rubble. From Air of Glory, by Cecil Beaton. [His Majestys Stationery Office, London, 1941]. (Colorised black and white print)

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Fares please, 1941. Artist: Cecil Beaton

Fares please, 1941. Artist: Cecil Beaton
Fares please, 1941. A bus conductress on the London buses makes her way to the upper deck. From Air of Glory, by Cecil Beaton. [His Majestys Stationery Office, London, 1941]

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: Nautical character, 1941. Artist: Cecil Beaton

Nautical character, 1941. Artist: Cecil Beaton
Nautical character, 1941. From Air of Glory, by Cecil Beaton. [His Majestys Stationery Office, London, 1941]. (Colorised black and white print)

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: The flourish set on youth, 1941. Artist: Cecil Beaton

The flourish set on youth, 1941. Artist: Cecil Beaton
The flourish set on youth, 1941. Acting Flight Lieutenant Thomas Ginger Neil, No 249 Squadron, RAF North Weald, 1940. A young airman with the RAF roundel. From Air of Glory, by Cecil Beaton

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: and Peace, 1941. Artist: Cecil Beaton

and Peace, 1941. Artist: Cecil Beaton
and Peace, 1941. Children enjoy a day out on the river, From Air of Glory, by Cecil Beaton. [His Majestys Stationery Office, London, 1941]

Background imageCecil Beaton Collection: For the Future, 1941. Artist: Cecil Beaton

For the Future, 1941. Artist: Cecil Beaton
For the Future, 1941. From Air of Glory, by Cecil Beaton. [His Majestys Stationery Office, London, 1941]



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Cecil Beaton: Capturing the Essence of History Renowned photographer Cecil Beaton has left an indelible mark on the world of art and history with his captivating images. From capturing iconic moments like HM Queen Elizabeth II's coronation to documenting the bravery and resilience of individuals during World War II, Beaton's work is a testament to his talent and dedication. In 1953, Beaton immortalized HM Queen Elizabeth II alongside her Maids of Honour during her momentous coronation. The photograph exudes regality and elegance, showcasing both the grandeur of the occasion and the beauty of its participants. During World War II, Beaton turned his lens towards those who played vital roles in supporting the war effort. In one image titled "Interrogation of Aircrews; W. A. A. F. Help In This Work, " he captured a powerful scene that highlights the importance of teamwork and cooperation in times of crisis. Beaton also documented scenes from everyday life during wartime, such as a shipbuilding scene in 1941. Through this photograph, he not only showcases the hard work put into building vessels but also pays tribute to those who contributed their skills for their country's defense. His photographs from this era also shed light on various aspects of military life. Whether it was physical training at a recruits depot or soldiers enjoying a momentary respite in a canteen piece, Beaton's ability to capture candid moments humanizes these brave individuals serving their nation. In addition to documenting war-related subjects, Beaton explored other facets of society during this time period. His photograph titled "Carry On" captures ordinary people going about their daily lives amidst wartime challenges – reminding us that even in difficult times, life continues with determination and resilience. Beaton's versatility as an artist is evident through his diverse range of subjects.