Elton John's Photography Collection: A Treasure Trove of Artistic Genius
Sir Elton John's private collection of photography is one of the greatest in the world, featuring works by legendary photographers such as Dorothea Lange, Walker Evans, and Helmut Newton.
The world of photography is about to be treated to a stunning exhibition featuring some of the most iconic images of all time. The Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection exhibition, currently on display in Paris at Jeu de Paume, showcases a selection of photographs from the couple's extensive holdings.
Elton John's passion for photography began in 1991, when he was introduced to the world of fashion photography by gallerist David Fahey. This marked the start of a journey that would see John and his husband David Furnish accumulate over 7,000 prints, making their collection one of the greatest private collections of photography in the world.
The couple's home in Atlanta is a testament to their love of photography, with hundreds of prints displayed on the walls, hung above sofas, and arranged along staircases. They buy what they love, and they wake up to it every day, viewing it as a source of great inspiration.
The collection features works by some of the most renowned photographers in history, including Dorothea Lange, Walker Evans, Diane Arbus, Richard Avedon, Eve Arnold, Helmut Newton, and Andy Warhol. The quality of the prints is equally impressive, with John preferring vintage examples and often waiting months for the perfect print to become available.
One such example is Diane Arbus's 'Exasperated Boy with a Toy Hand Grenade, NYC, 1963', which John waited ages to acquire in brilliant shape. The couple's love of photography is evident in their approach to framing, often rehousing prints in ornate gold frames.
However, not all images are treated with the same level of glamour. Photojournalism is also represented in the collection, with some of the more harrowing images safely tucked away in drawers. Richard Drew's photograph of a man falling from the World Trade Center ('The Falling Man', 11 September 2001) is one such example, which John acquired after reassuring the photographer that his intentions were good.
The collection covers a wide range of subjects, including fashion, celebrity portraits, constructed images, the male form, American landscape, and abstraction. The exhibition at Jeu de Paume offers a selection of photographs from 1950 to the present day, providing a glimpse into the couple's extensive holdings.
Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection is a must-see exhibition that showcases the beauty and diversity of photography. With its stunning selection of images and impressive collection, it is an event that photography enthusiasts will not want to miss.
| Photographer | Image | Year | | --- | --- | --- | | Dorothea Lange | | | | Walker Evans | | | | Diane Arbus | Exasperated Boy with a Toy Hand Grenade, NYC, 1963 | 1963 | | Richard Avedon | | | | Eve Arnold | | | | Helmut Newton | | | | Andy Warhol | | |
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