tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807469356676934317.post7872241216935735061..comments2024-03-25T10:50:11.187-07:00Comments on Gods and Foolish Grandeur: Cecil, Rex, and AshcombeStephiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08562830870365561419noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807469356676934317.post-13309078062076500942014-11-10T15:52:56.825-08:002014-11-10T15:52:56.825-08:00As to my opinion of Beaton's talents, rereadin...As to my opinion of Beaton's talents, rereading this I find that I certainly did tell it plain! And then so waspish he was, and not entirely what he presented himself to be; not quite the clean potato, as the English say. In the charming first volume of her memoirs, Julie Andrews tells how she came to the same conclusion while working with him on My Fair Lady.<br /><br />I've long been fascinated by Rex Whistler. And, yes, though I'm far too burdened with wonderful books--working almost twenty years in a bookstore has its consequences--I could NOT avoid a purchase of the wonderful biography+ you mention. I have nowhere to properly put it, but still....Stephiliushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08562830870365561419noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807469356676934317.post-84315134049686964522014-11-10T07:23:30.031-08:002014-11-10T07:23:30.031-08:00You've put Cecil Beaton into a remarkably conc...You've put Cecil Beaton into a remarkably concise perspective. <br />Regarding his illustration for Nancy Mitford's biography of Madame de Pompadour, Evelyn Waugh (to whom Nancy sent a preview copy) replied flatly that "Cecil Beaton's paintings make my flesh creep…"<br />I suppose he was an artist whose work was greater than the sum of its parts, or something to that effect. You Tube features a marvelous documentary from the early 1970s, called Beaton By Bailey or alternatively, Bailey on Beaton, made by David Bailey--in which it is obvious that for all his wispy ways, Cecil was as tough as nails.<br /><br />Rex Whistler--now THAT was a gifted artist. I presume you've got hold of the recent biography (2012), richly illustrated and beautifully written. In fact a work of art in itself. Toby Worthingtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04494294732826925579noreply@blogger.com