For the love of Cecil

IT'S been 45 years since Sir Cecil Beaton died, yet the Vogue favourite retains a certain cool factor that has inspired three new exhibitions this year.

- Annunciata Elwes

This Society figure of many talents—portrait, fashion and war photography, Oscar and Tony award-winning set and costume design, interiors, acting and illustration was ever inspired by gardens and flowers. This is the ‘common thread’ running through much of his work, argues the Garden Museum, London SE1, where ‘Cecil Beaton’s Garden Party’ opens on May 14, the first show to explore the theme.