One of the most respected and influential photographers of the 20th century, Douglas Kirkland’s career spanned six decades and included fashion, cinema and celebrity portraiture.
He worked during the golden age of photojournalism and as a result photographed some of the most iconic names of the last 100 years, including Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, Coco Chanel and many more besides.
Photography by Kirkland is held in the permanent collections of the National Portrait Gallery in the UK and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Smithsonian in the US.
Now, a new book, Romance, celebrates the enduring power of love by bringing together iconic couples, legendary film moments, alongside previously unseen photographs.
In the collection, we see Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton (As seen on the cover), as well as Paul Newman, Judy Garland, Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman and Princess Diana.
Moments from Hollywood include snapshots from Out of Africa, Moulin Rouge and Titanic.
The book has been edited by the late photographer’s wife, Françoise Kirkland, who met and married Douglas on the set of How to Steal A Million in 1965. She currently lives in Los Angeles and continues to look after the Kirkland legacy and archive.
Joining Françoise for the edit is Sarah Menham, a Paris-based consultant and artist. The book is published by Damiani, which is internationally recognised for excellence in art and photography books.
This is a very sweet book which is ideal for fans of celebrity and Hollywood. You can see the connection that Kirkland had with his subjects, and it’s interesting to also get a peek behind the scenes, too.
I particularly liked the images of Kirkland photographing Marilyn Monroe, precariously balanced from a mezzanine type balcony above a bed – one suspects this wouldn’t happen today. Those pictures became some of the most celebrated and remembered of the actress, who herself would have turned 100 this year.
Overall, this is a collection worth a look if you’re keen on this era of celebrity, and perhaps shows a different time altogether.
Romance by Douglas Kirkland is published by Damiani and is available to buy now. ISBN: 9788862088480
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- Hollywood photographer Douglas Kirkland has died
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