Cecil Beaton – Fair Lady – First UK Edition – SIGNED and INSCRIBED
£2,500.00
A first edition, first printing of ‘Cecil Beaton’s Fair Lady’ published by Weidenfeld and Nicolson in 1964. A very good book, with some wear to the edges and spine tips and corners. Beautifully inscribed to the front endpaper, ‘For Bertie Watson/with all Best/wishes From/Cecil Beaton’. In the very good, clipped dust wrapper with edge wear and some chipping. Minor internal repairs.
The ‘Bertie’ in question is possibly the brother of Peter Watson. Peter Watson, a wealthy art patron and editor, and Cecil Beaton, the renowned photographer and designer, had a complex relationship shaped by mutual admiration, artistic influence, and emotional tension. Watson, known for his support of avant-garde artists, was part of Beaton’s social circle in the 1930s and 1940s. Beaton was deeply infatuated with Watson, but Watson, who was openly gay, did not reciprocate his romantic feelings. Their relationship remained one of friendship, artistic collaboration, and occasional strain. Watson’s patronage helped Beaton’s career, yet personal frustrations lingered.
The book itself is lavishly illustrated, showcasing Beaton’s designs for the 1964 film My Fair Lady, starring Audrey Hepburn. As the film’s costume and set designer, Beaton crafted exquisite Edwardian-inspired gowns that became iconic. The book features sketches, behind-the-scenes photos, and anecdotes about his creative process. It highlights his artistic vision, detailing his influence on the film’s opulent aesthetic, and serves as a tribute to his celebrated contributions to cinema and fashion.
Inscribed copies of this book are exceptionally rare and this is a lovely association copy
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- Description
Description
A first edition, first printing of ‘Cecil Beaton’s Fair Lady’ published by Weidenfeld and Nicolson in 1964. A very good book, with some wear to the edges and spine tips and corners. Beautifully inscribed to the front endpaper, ‘For Bertie Watson/with all Best/wishes From/Cecil Beaton’. In the very good, clipped dust wrapper with edge wear and some chipping. Minor internal repairs.
The ‘Bertie’ in question is possibly the brother of Peter Watson. Peter Watson, a wealthy art patron and editor, and Cecil Beaton, the renowned photographer and designer, had a complex relationship shaped by mutual admiration, artistic influence, and emotional tension. Watson, known for his support of avant-garde artists, was part of Beaton’s social circle in the 1930s and 1940s. Beaton was deeply infatuated with Watson, but Watson, who was openly gay, did not reciprocate his romantic feelings. Their relationship remained one of friendship, artistic collaboration, and occasional strain. Watson’s patronage helped Beaton’s career, yet personal frustrations lingered.
The book itself is lavishly illustrated, showcasing Beaton’s designs for the 1964 film My Fair Lady, starring Audrey Hepburn. As the film’s costume and set designer, Beaton crafted exquisite Edwardian-inspired gowns that became iconic. The book features sketches, behind-the-scenes photos, and anecdotes about his creative process. It highlights his artistic vision, detailing his influence on the film’s opulent aesthetic, and serves as a tribute to his celebrated contributions to cinema and fashion.
Inscribed copies of this book are exceptionally rare and this is a lovely association copy
