Lifework: Norman Parkinson’s Century of Style is a photography exhibition at The National Theatre not to be missed.
Parkinson was a preeminent British photographer who created a dazzling portfolio of the most elegant and creative images the fashion and photography world has ever seen. Born in 1913 in London, he was apprenticed to a portrait photographers, Speaight and Sons Ltd., and then by the age of twenty-one had opened his own studio. He worked for the British edition of Harper’s Bazaar from 1935 to 1940, and then served as a reconnaissance photographer for the Royal Air France over France during the Second World War.
London-born Parkinson went on to contribute to many established publications throughout his successful and illustrious career, including Queen magazine, where he was contributing editor for four years. From 1945 to 1960, and in perhaps the most recognised and successful strand of his career, he was employed by Vogue as a portrait and fashion photographer. It was a perfectly compatible relationship and one that spawned so many iconic images. He was also quintessentially British – elegant, eccentric and often in front of the lens himself.
Expect exotic locations, unusual props and a feast of beautiful photography for the eyes.
NicolaG
