Norman Parkinson

Norman Parkinson, the celebrated English portrait and fashion photographer, was born on April 21, 1913, in London, England. Over the course of his career, he became renowned for his long-standing contribution to the fashion industry, capturing the intrigue and glamour of the period through his innovative approach to photography.

In 1935, Norman Parkinson began his career as a portrait and fashion photographer with Harper's Bazaar, where his work captured the essence of pre-war elegance and style. His unconventional methods and dynamic compositions marked a shift in the fashion photography of the time, as he sought to bring a new perspective to the portrayal of fashion and style.

During World War II, Norman Parkinson contributed to Vogue magazine by capturing women's fashion in a time of austerity. His resourceful use of available materials and British landscapes provided a unique contrast to the opulence of pre-war fashion shoots, emphasizing elegance amid adversity and becoming an iconic representation of wartime Britain.

In 1947, Norman Parkinson began working with British Vogue, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in fashion photography. His work in this period was known for its spontaneity and for capturing the zest and verve of post-war British society, helping redefine the visual style of fashion magazines in the mid-20th century.

In 1951, Norman Parkinson was appointed as a royal photographer, capturing official portraits of the British royal family. His innovative style brought a contemporary and fresh approach to royal portraiture, allowing for a more relaxed and natural presentation of the royals, notably capturing candid moments that prior photographers had often missed.

Throughout the 1960s, Norman Parkinson traveled widely to exotic locations, photographing celebrities and models such as Audrey Hepburn and The Beatles. This era marked a high point in Parkinson's career, where his innovative use of color and informal style captured the zeitgeist of the period, blending high fashion with a sense of adventure and storytelling.

In 1963, Norman Parkinson founded his own company, Norman Parkinson Ltd, a testament to his stature and influence in the world of fashion photography. The new venture allowed him further creative freedom, enabling him to pursue projects that continued to challenge and innovate the intersection of fashion and photography.

In December 1978, a major retrospective of Norman Parkinson's work was held at the National Portrait Gallery in London. This exhibition featured a vast collection of his photographs, showcasing his considerable impact on both fashion photography and timeless portraiture, cementing his legacy as a pioneer of the field.

In recognition of his services to photography, Norman Parkinson was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1981. This honor acknowledged his contributions to British culture and his status as a leading innovator in photography who had greatly influenced the portrayal of fashion and style around the world.

Norman Parkinson passed away on February 15, 1990, in Singapore during a fashion shoot. His death marked the end of an era, but his influence and legacy in the world of photography continue to be celebrated, with archives of his work continuing to inspire new generations of photographers and fashion enthusiasts alike.