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Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer
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Papers of Sir Cecil Beaton

  • Beaton
  • Fonds
  • 1917–1980

Includes correspondence, diaries, notebooks, typescripts and one photograph.

Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer

Letter to Alan Lerner

Manuscript rough copy of a letter in Beaton's hand, concerning the 1969 Broadway musical 'Coco', directed by Michael Benthall and choreographed by Michael Bennett, with music by André Previn, lyrics by Alan Lerner and costume/set design by Beaton. Katherine Hepburn starred as Coco Chanel. Beaton writes that in most productions, the designer has to work with the director. He has heard the suggestions made by Lerner, Previn, Hepburn, Bennett and Benthall, some of which have been helpful and some which have not. Feels that the mistakes that he has made came partly from having given in to opinions with which he did not agree. In recent weeks, his main concern has been to try to see that he does not further jeopardise the work he has done. If Beaton sounds depressed at seeing night after night the same mistakes being made, it is not from a personal point of view, but also because he knows that such mistakes will attract criticisms that will hurt the future prospects of the show. He does not enjoy fighting in the theatre and it would be easier for him not to care, but since he does continue to care - not only for himself, but for others - it makes things easier for him to get Lerner's letter after he has worked on this for such a long time with Lerner.

Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer

Letter to Arnold Weissberger

Typewritten letter in which Beaton discusses his travel plans to the U.S. for work on 'On a Clear Day' and the publication of photographs taken by Beaton of Barbra Streisand in Vogue magazine. Beaton also writes that his initial experience of working with Streisand has been positive.

Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer

Letter to Arnold Weissberger

A letter from Beaton, regarding an alteration in the costume design fee for the film 'On A Clear Day You Can See Forever'. Beaton also discusses the dates for both his trip to Hollywood and to Morocco in order to buy materials for the costumes.

Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer

Letter to Monty Berman

Typewritten letter, regarding the price of ball-gowns for the film 'On A Clear Day You Can See Forever'.

Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer

Letter to Alastair Aird

A letter in response to Aird's letter dated 26th July, confirming that it would be both an honour and a pleasure to welcome the Queen Mother to the exhibition on the agreed date.

Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer

Letter to Michael Bronson

Typescript letter, in which Beaton responds to the queries raised in Bronson's letter, dated 30 December 1965. Beaton writes that he has been suffering from shingles for the past six weeks and is about to embark on a recuperative trip which may or may not culminate in New York; if he were to finish in New York, then he would be interested to see how work on the scenery and costumes for 'La Traviata' is progressing.

Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer

Note to Rudolf Bing

Handwritten note, in which Beaton expresses his distress in having heard that Barbara Karinska has not yet been fully commissioned to create the costumes for 'La Traviata'. Beaton writes that Karinska is an artist and should be treated with great deference; she is unhappy with the present situation.

Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer

Letter to Herman Krawitz

Typescript letter in which Beaton refers to the set of technical drawings enclosed, alongside his models and costume designs. He welcomes any revised drawings in return, with additional modifications determined by Krawitz et al.

Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer

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