Henry Ford II

1922–1974

Diaries, 1922–1974

Six volumes of his diaries, spanning the years 1922–1974, are published in his lifetime. According to Hugo Vickers, who edited a fuller edition, opinions in the published volumes are softened, whereas in the originals Beaton can be truly venomous.

1952–1969

Designs for Broadway

His Broadway credits include The Grass Harp (1952), The Chalk Garden (1955), Saratoga (1959), Tenderloin (1960) and Coco (1969); he wins four Tony Awards for costume design, for Quadrille (1955), My Fair Lady (1957), Saratoga (1960) and Coco (1970).

1966

Meets Sam Green

He meets Sam Green, an American curator of modern art who will become his travelling companion. According to Green, their relationship was neither romantic nor sexual but a “mythical bachelor uncle, handsome euphemistic nephew-type situation.”

1968

“Beaton Portraits 1928–68” at the National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery in London mounts its first photographic exhibition, Beaton Portraits 1928–68, the first time a retrospective of a living photographer’s work is shown at a British national museum. More than 80,000 people see it; themed rooms hold photographs of the royal family, war heroes, authors, composers and celebrities.

1969

“600 Faces by Beaton” at the Museum of the City of New York

The exhibition travels to the United States and in 1969 opens at the Museum of the City of New York as 600 Faces by Beaton 1928–69; so popular that it is extended for a month, it then tours the country under museum auspices.

1969

Photographs Andy Warhol and members of the Factory

Just weeks before the New York opening, he photographs Andy Warhol and members of his Factory as a last-minute addition to the show.