Cecil Beaton: Staging Icons Exhibition Extended at Harewood House Until October 2026

Great news for art and photography enthusiasts! The much-anticipated exhibition, Cecil Beaton: Staging Icons, has been extended at Harewood House, now running until Sunday, 18 October 2026. This exhibition celebrates the life and work of the legendary photographer Cecil Beaton, who is renowned for his stunning portraits of some of the most famous figures of the 20th century.

Exhibition Overview

Organised by the National Portrait Gallery in partnership with Harewood House Trust, Cecil Beaton: Staging Icons showcases over 50 remarkable photographs from the National Portrait Gallery's collection. Many of these images are being displayed to the public for the very first time. The exhibition provides a captivating glimpse into Beaton’s extraordinary career, where he captured the essence of Hollywood legends, West End stars, and even members of the British Royal Family.

Beaton's Artistic Style

Cecil Beaton (1904–1980) is celebrated for his innovative theatrical style that transformed the world of portrait photography. His work is characterised by elaborate backdrops, dramatic lighting, and theatrical props, which helped blur the lines between reality and performance. Beaton's approach was not just about taking photographs; it was about creating visual theatre that told a story. He had a passion for stage and costume design, which influenced his photography and led to his involvement in various operas and ballets during the post-war period.

Iconic Portraits

The exhibition features iconic portraits of renowned figures such as:

• Audrey Hepburn

• Marilyn Monroe

• Fred Astaire

• Queen Elizabeth II

Princess Margaret by Cecil Beaton, 1950 © Cecil Beaton. Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Marilyn Monroe™; Rights of Publicity and Persona R…on, 1956 © Cecil Beaton Archive / Condé Nast

Cecil Beaton by Cecil Beaton, 1933 © Cecil Beaton Archive. Conde Nast

These portraits not only highlight Beaton's skill but also reveal how he crafted the identities of his subjects through the art of performance. Visitors can expect to see how Beaton’s unique style continues to influence the way we perceive celebrity and identity today.

Connections to Harewood House

Harewood House itself has a rich history that intertwines with Beaton's life. The exhibition explores this connection, showcasing original portraits and archival materials from the Harewood collection. Beaton photographed several members of the Lascelles family, who have long been associated with the arts. For instance, the 7th Earl and Countess of Harewood were both passionate about performance arts and were friends with many of Beaton's subjects, including opera singer Maria Callas.

One of the highlights of the exhibition includes Beaton’s signature found in Harewood’s historic visitor book and a Christmas card featuring a hand-drawn costume design. These personal touches provide insight into Beaton's relationship with the Harewood family, illustrating how the house served as a source of inspiration for his work.

Bringing Beaton to the North

The collaboration between the National Portrait Gallery and Harewood House Trust marks a significant moment in bringing Beaton's work to audiences in the North of England. The exhibition is set against the backdrop of Harewood’s own collection of British portraiture, including new acquisitions that aim to diversify the representation within the collection.

Zoë Hughes, Head of Public Programme at Harewood House Trust, expressed excitement about the exhibition:

“Beaton’s visits to Harewood in the 60s and 70s is just one example of how the site has long been a source of inspiration for artists. Today, Harewood continuously reimagines what makes a historic country house, and by working with the National Portrait Gallery for the first time to bring together Beaton’s work and the House’s rich history, we offer our visitors the chance to step into his glamorous world.”

Visiting Information

For those interested in experiencing this unique exhibition, Cecil Beaton: Staging Icons runs from 13 June to 18 October 2026 at Harewood House, located in Leeds. Admission prices start from £22.55 for adults and £10.00 for children when booked online 24 hours in advance. Concessions are available, and entry is free for Harewood members and children under four.