Drawing

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.

1930–1945

Leases Ashcombe House in Wiltshire

At the country estate of Ashcombe House he entertains many notable figures and develops his theatrical style of interior decoration.

1940–1945

Photographer for the Ministry of Information

Back in England, he joins the Ministry of Information on the Queen’s recommendation and records the home front and the damage of the German Blitz; between 1940 and 1945 he takes over 7,000 photographs in Britain, China and Africa. With his style sharpened and his range broadened, the war restores his career.

1946

Plays Cecil Graham in “Lady Windermere’s Fan”

After the war he creates the sets, costumes and lighting for the London and New York productions of Oscar Wilde’s Lady Windermere’s Fan, and in 1946 he himself plays Mr Cecil Graham in New York for twenty-five weeks.

1947

A romance with Greta Garbo

His infatuation turns into a romantic but largely unreciprocated relationship; he considers marriage but faces competition from Garbo’s companion, George Schlee.

1947

Buys Reddish House in Broad Chalke

He buys a seventeenth-century house with 2.5 acres of gardens in Wiltshire and transforms its interiors and gardens, adding rooms on the eastern side, extending the parlour southwards and introducing many new fittings. He remains there until his death.