LENOX, Mass. — In his lecture on Zoom, Hugo Vickers,  biographer, lecturer, broadcaster and an acknowledged expert on the royal family, explains how Cecil Beaton turned himself into an extraordinary figure. 

 

Vickers will speak virtually via Zoom from England on Tuesday, July 12 at 4 pm. His presentation will be followed by a tea at Ventfort Hall. 

 

According to a press release, through the art of photography, Cecil Beaton (1904-80) rose to become one of the great observers of the Twentieth Century. His portraits of the Royal Family and of the stars of stage and screen are known.  He also became a designer of costumes and sets for stage, screen, opera and ballet, an artist, a wicked diarist, an arbiter of taste, and a man who moved easily in many varied worlds.  

 

Vickers has published his own diaries about researching Cecil Beaton, entitled "Malice in Wonderland" - a behind the scenes account of his adventures with various sources, including the Queen Mother, Audrey Hepburn, Truman Capote, Stephen Tennant, Valentina Schlee, Princess Grace of Monaco and many more. He has written many biographies of 20th century figures, including Cecil Beaton, Vivien Leigh, the Duchess of Windsor, Princess Andrew of Greece, and the Queen Mother.  His book, "The Quest for Queen Mary," sold 40,000 copies in various forms.

 

He has covered events from the first wedding of the Prince of Wales, the funerals of Diana, the Queen Mother and Prince Philip, and many royal weddings. 

 

Tickets are $30 for members and with advance reservation; $35 day of; $22 for students 22 and under. Reservations are required as seats are limited. Walk-ins accommodated as space allows. For reservations call (413) 637-3206. All tickets are nonrefundable and non-exchangeable. Proof of vaccination and ID are required. The historical mansion is located at 104 Walker Street in Lenox.

 

The summer series of Tea & Talks is sponsored in part by board member Lucille Landa and William Landa.