Edith Sitwell

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.

after 1925

Book jackets, costumes and Paul Tanqueray’s studio

After leaving university he briefly works on book-jacket designs and theatrical costumes and learns photography in Paul Tanqueray’s studio. A short spell in the family timber business and then with a cement merchant in Holborn came down to weekend bouts of photography, and he decided to strike out on his own.

1925

Leaves Cambridge without a degree

He studied history, art and architecture at St John’s College with little or no interest in academic work, and leaves without taking a degree; before that he had attended Heath Mount School (where Evelyn Waugh bullied him), St Cyprian’s School in Eastbourne, where his artistic talent was quickly noticed, and Harrow.

1927

First exhibition at the Cooling Gallery

Under the patronage of Osbert Sitwell, his first exhibition is held at the Cooling Gallery in London.

1927

Becomes a regular contributor to Vogue

He begins contributing regularly to Vogue under Condé Nast and quickly becomes a prolific and respected contributor, photographing high society, debutantes and aristocratic circles. He holds a contract with Condé Nast Publications to photograph exclusively for them, at several thousand pounds a year for several years to come.

1928

Moves to New York

Believing he will find greater success in the United States, he moves to New York and gradually establishes his reputation there, thereafter spending part of each year in the city, in hotel suites he redecorates in his “Japanese art nouveau” style in exchange for reduced rent. He photographs society figures such as Mrs Cornelius Vanderbilt and the future Duchess of Windsor and, in disguise, impersonates the notorious Lady Mendl at a fancy-dress ball.