London – A large selection of designs by Cecil Beaton (1904-1980) are amongst the highlights of Bonhams Collections Sale, Including the Roy Astley Collection of Theatrical Designs, and Selected Items from the Estate of Sir Brian Williamson, which runs online from 20 May – 3 June on bonhams.com. The sketches include costume designs for Katharine Hepburn in Coco (each with an estimate of £1,200 - 1,800), as well as designs for My Fair Lady.

Charlie Thomas, UK Group Director for House Sales and Private & Iconic Collections at Bonhams, commented: "Though perhaps best known for his legendary photographs of Royals and Bright Young Things, Cecil Beaton was also an equally talented costume and set designer, who created distinctive and whimsical designs for both theatre and film. We are delighted to offer a number of his designs in our upcoming collections sale, including costume designs and sketches for My Fair Lady, Katherine Hepburn in Coco, and Vivien Leigh in Anna Karenina, as well as Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn in Marguerite and Armand. With Cecil Beaton's Garden Party exhibition soon to open at The Garden Museum, which is set to feature a number of costumes and designs, there is really no better time for Beaton fans and collectors."

Beaton's theatrical designs come to auction from the collection of Roy Astley which also includes theatrical designs by Oliver Messel. Roy Astley himself worked in theatre for the entirety of his career as a successful stage and company manager. The quality of his collection meant that many of his works were exhibited in landmark exhibitions, including the 1986 Cecil Beaton retrospective at Barbican Art Gallery.

The sale will also offer Part II of Geoffrey Sawyer's collection of photographs by Cecil Beaton. Sawyer, a dedicated long-time assistant and printer to Beaton, also has his own work housed in the National Portrait Gallery. This collection includes some of Beaton's most famous images, such as portraits of the Royal Family, including the (then) Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. It also features striking photographs of the brightest stars from the worlds of stage, screen, and high society, as well as depictions of Beaton's close friends and family. A selection of Vogue features is also included, showcasing images of Chanel and candid shots of Beaton at Reddish House, taken by Sawyer himself.

Other highlights of the sale from across the individual private collections include:

• An important George V silver-mounted and enamel mazer-bowl, Omar Ramsden, London 1937. Estimate: £15,000 - 25,000.

• Anne Redpath OBE, (British, 1895-1965), Hillside Village, Corsica. Estimate: £12,000 - 18,000.

• Cecil Beaton (British, 1904-1980), Portrait of Picasso. Estimate: £8,000 - 12,000.

• Charles Vincent Lamb R.H.A., R.U.A. (Irish, 1893-1964), In-shore Fishermen. Estimate: 6,000 - 10,000.

• A large late 19th century marble bust of Achilles after the model by William Theed (British, 1804-1891). Estimate: £2,000 - £3,000.

19 May 2025