Discover the stunning colour images of Princess Margaret taken by renowned portrait photographer Cecil Beaton in 1949.
These images were commissioned for the Princess's 19th birthday and showcase Beaton's distinctive portrait style, which he had honed after experimenting with the dramatic Hollywood glamour aesthetic during his time in the United States.
These photographs were created using a cutting-edge process of using colour transparency film, a technically complex process that allowed Beaton to capture vibrant, sumptuous images with perfect colour rendition, which were then used like film negative to create black and white portraits. The process is best known for its use in film as Technicolor. Colour transparencies were a benchmark for photographic quality in the mid-20th century, and their influence can still be seen in the goals of modern digital photography.
Join us as we delve into the history and artistry behind these iconic portraits of the young Princess Margaret, offering a glimpse into the distinctive visual style of one of the 20th century's most celebrated portrait photographers.
You can find out more about royal portrait photography as part of our latest exhibition: www.rct.uk/collection/exhibit...