Mrs. Harrison Williams, 1936.
Mona and Cecil were dear lifelong friends. In awe of her fascinating beauty, Cecil famously documents their first meeting in 1929, referring to Mona as a ”rock-crystal goddess with aquamarine eyes.” From that point on they were constantly and forever devoted.
Oliver Messel, Cecil Beaton, Mona Williams, Mogens Tvede at Ashcombe, 1930s
This is truly my favourite photo in the show as it allows the viewer a rare glimpse of Mona at play, in place of her curated public persona from her fashion portrait sittings.
Mrs. Harrison Williams with Scottish Sporrans, 1930s.
Always searching to expand his visual interpretations, Beaton seized on the ideas of Surrealism, placing Mona amidst clouds of Scottish sporrans.
Mona Wearing Balenciaga Violet Lace at Hotel Lambert, 1958-1959.
Beaton was an inspired colourist, which he applied liberally in his art. One can only imagine how thrilled he was when Mona entered the room in her Balenciaga violet lace evening dress with peacock hemline insouciantly wearing her suite of emeralds.
Triple Portrait of Mrs. Harrison Williams Wearing Cartier, 1927.
Never complacent with his photographic expression, Beaton was always a creative pioneer. In this stunning, experimental exposure, Mona is captured three times wearing her Cartier carved jadeite “hand of Buddha” and rock crystal bracelet.
Mona at the Hôtel Lambert, Paris, 1955.
Mona looking every bit the Countess she was in her Balenciaga silk faille ‘hostess gown” – disciples at her slippered feet. Beaton writes, “With her poetical beauty and instinctive taste, she has become one of the symbols of elegance in Western society.”
Mrs. Harrison Williams at Work in her Capri Garden, late 1930s.
Mona probably would have preferred to be known, if she must be known, as a passionate gardener. Beaton, a frequent guest at Mona’s Capri villa (formerly owned by Caesar Augustus), photographed Mona tending her beloved gardens.
Mona Bismarck in Capri, 1960s.
Mona, never one for a snooty breed, kept scrappy little moppet doggies she would rescue from the gutter and fall madly in love! Gore Vidal said, “Mona changed her husbands, but not her dogs!”
Mona Smoking in a Pucci Blouse, early 1960s.
Mona took it to heart when Balenciaga said, “A distinguished woman should always have a disagreeable air.”
Mrs. Harrison Williams on the Balcony at “Il Fortino”, 1930s.
As tribute to Beaton ‘s iconic portfolio of Mona photographs, this is the very last photo in the show. In 1975, Cecil writes to Mona, “…please remember, when I don’t write, you are far and away my favourite. With love, Cecil.”
Mona Bismarck, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, was the first American to be declared the Best-Dressed Woman in the World and was famous for her uncompromising sense of style and grace. A new exhibition, Magnificent Mona Bismarck, Kentucky Style Icon at the Frazier History Museum in Louisville, spans five decades of her personal haute couture, featuring more than 80 pieces from noted designers. The show includes more than 35 portraits from her dear friend, Cecil Beaton so we asked curator, Scott Rogers, to pick his favourites from the Cecil Beaton Studio Archive at Sotheby’s. Click ahead to view the slideshow.
Magnificent Mona Bismarck, Kentucky Style Icon.
March 15–July 29, 2018