The Victoria and Albert Museum in London is excited to share Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection. These iconic photos from the period from 1950 to the present day cover eight thematic themes that include fashion, reportage, celebrity, the male body, and American photography.
The exhibit presents photos never seen in public before. Some of the photographs explore the connection between strength and vulnerability inherent in the human condition. Then there are photos that respond to themes of life that include persecution, resistance, and many key moments in history. Events come into focus as you view the photos from the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, the AIDS activism of the 1980s, and the events of 11 September 2001.
Among the collection are also portraits of stars from stage and screen like Aretha Franklin, Elizabeth Taylor, The Beatles, and Chet Baker. This exhibit is a wonderful glimpse of works by Robert Mapplethorpe, Cindy Sherman, William Eggleston, Diane Arbus, Sally Mann, Zanele Muholi, Ai Weiwei, Carrie Mae Weems and other photographers.
Each photo offered by Sir Elton John and David Furnish reflects their personal taste and unique eye as collectors. The Victoria and Albert Museum will host Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection through Sunday, 5 January 2025. Look for more details on this and others exhibitions on the Victoria and Albert Museum website.
Photo courtesy of Victoria and Albert Museum / Fragile Beauty