It was to remain a lasting memory for Cecil, who later described his first encounter of Waugh, “He stood on his toes and thrust his face, with a diabolical stare, closer and closer to mine, ever closer until the eyes converged into one enormous Cyclops nightmare…”Īlthough Beaton and Waugh went on to move in the same social circles, including the infamous Bright Young Things set of the 1920s, Beaton, perhaps understandably, continued to loathe Waugh throughout his life. On his first day at Heath Mount School in Hampstead, Beaton was set upon by the young bully Evelyn Waugh a menacing figure sporting a pair of green knickerbockers, who thought nothing of sticking pins in the newcomer. His father was dedicated to providing Cecil with the finest education.

Taken from the V&A collection of over 18,000 royal images by Beaton, it is only when viewing this carefully condensed selection that we understand what a profound effect Beaton had, not only in shaping the British perception of the Queen, but her public profile around the world.Ĭecil Beaton was born in Hampstead, the son of a successful timber merchant. Most of the images are familiar, but it’s a joy to see the many unseen images of the young Princess Elizabeth, including behind-the-scenes images of her preparing for her Coronation in 1953. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of HM Queen Elizabeth’s accession to the throne, the exhibition, including 60 portraits, film footage, and letters, gives a fascinating glimpse into her life as Princess, mother and Queen – captured by the great Sir Cecil Beaton (1904-1980).

Cecil beaton coronation photos