A youthful Elizabeth Taylor smiles seductively across the years while Marilyn Monroe, at her most iconic in a low-cut gown, is captured being helped into her coat. Both images are part of an exhibition of photographs taken by top snapper Frank Worth, which opened in London on Thursday.
On hand for the launch of the event, which epitomises one of Hollywood's most glamorous eras, were actors spanning several generations. Screen veterans Betty Garrett, of Laverne & Shirley fame, and Mildred Shay attended the Notting Hill theatre opening, joining the likes of actor and comedian Stephen Fry and TV presenter Cat Deeley.
Working as a freelance photographer in Hollywood from 1939 to 1964, in the course of his career Worth captured some of the biggest screen legends of all time, including Cary Grant, James Dean, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra. The result is a body of work described by Christie's auction house as "the most extraordinary collection of its kind for the past 50 years."
It remained a forgotten secret, however, until the photographer's death in 2002. While aware of their relative's work as a freelance photographer, they had no idea the extent of his connections, and it was only when members of penniless snapper's family began to sort out his LA apartment that they discovered the collection.
Worth Exposing Hollywood runs at the 20th Century Theatre in Notting Hill until November 23.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
