This gave him a sense of guilt and shame throughout much of his life and this was a significant driving force in his desire for high achievement, proving his abilities to himself and others. Although Beaton dated a number of women including Greta Garbo, he preferred men and he had several prominent gay relationships.His images depict a country doing its best to carry on as normal and are infused with a sense of national pride, consequently many were utilized as propaganda to keep morale high during the conflict. Beaton utilized his photographic talents during the Second World War to document the British war effort, photographing the lives of normal people as well as the key political players of the era.He was particularly known for his use of unusual backgrounds including cellophane, silver foil and papier mâché and these complex sets are clearly rooted in theatrical practice. His fashion photographs were characterized by their decorative appearance and interesting compositions and his earlier images often contained elements of Surrealism.

In doing so, he made them accessible and sympathetic to the wider public, helping to create or reinforce their status as iconic social figures. Beaton excelled at capturing the individual personality of his sitters, presenting them in new ways that brought out elements of their character not seen in other portraits.

Queen elizabeth ii by cecil beaton