Audrey Hepburn getting into the Paramount Studios car, 1953, Bob Willoughby
A photographic exhibition displaying rare portraits of Audrey Hepburn captured by a selection of high profile twentieth century photographers. This collection brings together the work of Terry O’Neill, Norman Parkinson, Bob Willoughby, Eva Sereny, Mark Shaw and Douglas Kirkland; each celebrated for their distinct portrayals of Hepburn.
Audrey Hepburn Being Towel Dried, taken by Mark Shaw in 1953.
Renowned for her progressive acting roles, stylish sensibilities and humanitarian endeavors, Hepburn remains one of the most instantly recognisable icons of the 1950s and has charmed generations since the Golden Age of Hollywood. ‘Audrey Hepburn: Beyond the Screen’ revisits classic and timeless portraits celebrating Hepburn’s legacy on the 25th anniversary of her death.
This photograph by Mark Shaw is an outtake from the cover of an international issue of LIFE magazine, first published 19th April, 1954.
Audrey Hepburn’s acting career and influential fashions are widely documented, but lesser-known are the struggles of her early life. Born in 1929 to a Dutch baroness, Hepburn studied ballet throughout her formative years and had ambitions of becoming a professional dancer.
Audrey Hepburn, 1965, Douglas Kirkland.
Following Germany’s invasion of the Netherlands during World War II, Hepburn’s family suffered tragically during the occupation of her town. Hepburn relocated to London after the war ended where she was scouted during a performance of Cecil Landeau's ‘Sauce Piquante’, 1950. Her first leading film role followed three years later in ‘Roman Holiday’, for which she was commended with an Academy award, a Golden Globe and a BAFTA.
Audrey Hepburn wearing Givenchy, photographed by Norman Parkinson in August, 1955. This shoot for US Glamour magazine took place at ‘La Vigna’ villa, near Rome, during the filming of King Vidor’s “War and Peace”.
Throughout her lifetime, Audrey Hepburn achieved over 25 film accreditations and received awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of her charitable work with UNICEF. Hepburn’s son Sean Ferrer stated, “She never forgot the chocolates and the outstretched hands - the little acts of kindness to children like herself… She wanted to give something back to the world”.
Audrey Hepburn, Italy 1955
Norman Parkinson
Hepburn’s philanthropic efforts and humanitarian work are representative of the generosity she displayed throughout her life; her legacy is continued by sons Sean Ferrer and Luca Dotti, who co-founded the Audrey Hepburn Children’s Fund in their mother’s memory. The charity develops a number of fundraising initiatives and seeks to promote awareness for vulnerable children worldwide.
Audrey Hepburn on the telephone during her first trip to Hollywood after filming 'Roman Holiday', Beverly Hills, 1953
Through a unique perspective and style, each photographer included within this collection captures Audrey Hepburn’s instantly recognisable appearance. Bob Willoughby’s portraits of a young Hepburn, fresh-faced just after the release of her first film ‘Roman Holiday’ are presented alongside Terry O’Neill’s youthful colour portraits which glow with a childish excitement and exude her playful sense of humor.
Audrey Hepburn for her role in William Wyler’s 1966 comedy caper ‘How to Steal a Million’ in Paris, by Terry O'Neill, 1966
Her memorable style is articulated through the classic fashion shoots of Norman Parkinson and Douglas Kirkland, as is her characteristic sophistication by Eva Sereny during the filming of ‘Always’. ‘Audrey Hepburn: Beyond the Screen’ exhibits portraits of Audrey Hepburn throughout her life and career, recognising her position in the history of popular culture as well as her contribution to society a quarter of a century after her death.
Audrey Hepburn, 1989, Eva Sereny.
Belgian born Hollywood actress and fashion icon Audrey Hepburn, photographed in the woods before filming her last film always
17th August – 30th September 2018
Address: 32 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6BP
Email: info@proudgalleries.co.uk
Telephone: 44 (0) 20 7839 4942
Fax: 44 (0) 20 7839 4947
Opening times: Monday - Sunday: 11am - 6pm
Entrance: Free
Pre-order at MODAOPERANDI
