Nine Rare Photographs of a Young Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor, a true Hollywood icon, captivated audiences and even royalty with her unparalleled charisma. Her life, marked by dramatic flair and undeniable talent, continues to fascinate. This collection of nine rare photographs offers a glimpse into her younger years, revealing moments that underscore her legendary status. These images, part of the book 'Forever Elizabeth: Iconic Photographers On A Legendary Star,' highlight her enduring appeal and the unique impact she had on the entertainment world and beyond.
One memorable incident illustrating Taylor's magnetic presence occurred during Queen Elizabeth II's 1976 visit to Washington D.C. At a grand reception at the British Embassy, television crews, initially focused on the Queen, abruptly shifted their attention to Elizabeth Taylor upon her late arrival. This sudden redirection of the spotlight from actual royalty to Hollywood royalty amused Queen Elizabeth II, underscoring Taylor's immense star power and ability to command any room she entered.
Taylor’s larger-than-life personality extended to her personal style and relationships. She was known for her extravagant tastes, famously building outfits around her exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry. Her strong will was also legendary, as evidenced by an incident in 1965 when she left a Beverly Hills dinner before Princess Margaret arrived, simply because she disagreed with the seating arrangement. Taylor felt that she and her then-husband, Richard Burton, deserved a place at the VIP table alongside Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon.
Her charm and eccentricities endeared her to the fashion world. Richard Burton himself penned a personal essay for a 1970s issue of Vogue, titled 'Travelling With Elizabeth, By Her Husband Who Loves Her In Spite Of It.' In this piece, Burton comically detailed Taylor’s perpetual tardiness, a habit he found infuriating yet charming. Despite the delays, he acknowledged her remarkable ability to always appear breathtakingly punctual for actual departures, causing him much anxiety.
Throughout her career, Taylor was frequently featured in various publications. Norman Parkinson notably captured her 40th birthday portraits at Burton's special request, a birthday where Burton's gift was a diamond once owned by Emperor Shah Jahan. Cecil Beaton also famously photographed her in 1971, dressed as the Ballets Russes icon Isa Rubenstein for 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.' These iconic photographers, along with others like Milton H. Greene, who captured her with her son Michael Wilding Jr. on the MGM lot in 1954, and Douglas Kirkland, who photographed her with Burton before the release of 'Cleopatra,' contributed to the extensive visual record of her life. Terry O’Neill even documented the moment she first met David Bowie at an LA party. These photographs are compiled in the 2021 book 'Forever Elizabeth: Iconic Photographers On A Legendary Star,' offering a comprehensive look at her incredible journey.
As contemporary artists like Taylor Swift continue to pay homage to her through works such as 'Elizabeth Taylor' from 'The Life of a Showgirl,' the renewed interest in this cinematic legend is palpable. These nine images provide a window into the formative years of a woman who was not only a prodigious talent but also an unforgettable cultural force, solidifying her place as an eternal star.