Details
MY FAIR LADY, 1964;
CECIL BEATON (1904-1980)
Two gelatin silver prints; Audrey Hepburn, 1963
each stamped ‘please acknowledge photograph by Cecil Beaton’ (verso)

each: 14 x 11 in. (35.5 x 28 cm.)

Special notice
Please note this lot is the property of a consumer. See H1 of the Conditions of Sale.
Brought to you by

Lot Essay

On first meeting Audrey at a London party, following the release of Roman Holiday, Cecil Beaton wrote in his diary Audrey's enormous potential cinema success, with attendant salary, seem to have made little impression on this delightful human being. She appears to take wholesale adoration with a pinch of salt; gratitude rather than puffed-up pride... In a flash I discovered Audrey Hepburn is chock-a-block with spritelike charm... we liked one another. A chord had been struck and I knew that, next time we met, we would continue straight from here... This was a unique occasion.

A decade later they would collaborate on what would be one of the most significant projects in both of their careers - My Fair Lady. Beaton had designed the costumes for the stage production and was now tasked with creating the entire 'look' of the film adaptation. The project was a dream for Beaton, who had written an article for Vogue in 1930 on Ascots of the Past and would now be living out his Edwardian fantasy. He flew to Hollywood in February 1963 to start work on the 1000 costumes required.

Beaton's diary entry of 18th May 1963 relates Audrey's first visit to the wardrobe department on arrival in Los Angeles: She wanted to pose for photographs in every one of them. "I don't want to play Eliza! She doesn't have enough pretty clothes. I want to parade in all these. Later Hepburn would parade in all the most glamorous Ascot costumes for a shoot with Beaton for US Vogue, December 1963. The dazzlingly spectacular Ascot scene, which alone would require 400 magnificent gowns and an enormous bespoke set, was Beaton's masterpiece - he went on to win two Oscars for his work on the film.
Post Lot Text
This lot has been imported from outside the EU for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable at 5% on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately.
Please see Conditions of Sale for further information.

Related Articles

Sorry, we are unable to display this content. Please check your connection.

More from
Audrey Hepburn:The Personal Collection Part III
Place your bid Condition report

A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.

I confirm that I have read this Important Notice regarding Condition Reports and agree to its terms. View Condition Report