This Thursday, I braved Sloane Square Underground on Chelsea Flower Show week, and splashed my way down a be-puddled King's Road. Why? To view Proud Chelsea's collection of Bob Willoughby's Audrey Hepburn photographs of course!
L.A born Bob Willoughby's love of photography started with his first camera aged 12. He began his career working for Harper's Bazaar but after photographing Judy Garland on the set of A Star is Born it wasn't long before many film studios wanted him. In 1953 Bob Willoughby met and became friends with Audrey who was working on Roman Holiday with Gregory Peck. Bob was hired by Paramount Studios to capture the young starlet on set.
These early pictures show a young woman radiant and full of excitement on her first trip to Hollywood.
Bob's images of Audrey provide a fascinating glimpse into the working day of the Hollywood screen legend we all know and love. Audrey having her make-up touched up, travelling to work in the studio car or having her dress pinned because she was sooooo small!
In every picture we see the angelic goodness that captured audiences around the world. Willoughby said of her ''Audrey never changed, even when she became famous. She was always the gracious lady. She had this remarkable way of looking into your eyes, which made you think 'this is really a good friend of mine.''
This rare collection records the public and private life of Audrey, in images spanning four decades and a friendship and understanding between photographer and muse that becomes ever more apparent. This is one of the most surprising photographs, taken on the set of Green Mansions in 1959 and although it's not really how we think of Audrey, that's what is so special about it.
Bob Willoughby died in 2009 and was not only one of the most highly sought photographers of his generation, he pioneered photo-journalism with his candid and naturalistic methods and will continue to be celebrated and collected for future generations. His work is on permanent display at galleries around the world including The National Portrait Gallery, London and Washington.
Prices range from £1,250 - £2,500 (ex vat) for an unframed image with a limited edition of a few to 50, all come with a certificate of authenticity and some of the images are signed by Bob Willoughby. So, if you have some spare cash under your bed, I reckon this would be a good and rewarding investment!
The exhibition has been extended to the 10th July 2011.
Address: 161 King's Road
Telephone: 0207 349 0822
Viewing times: Free entry. Monday-Wednesday & Sunday 10.00am - 7.00pm, Thursday & Saturday 10.00am - 8.00pm
