Norman Parkinson: Always in Style

With his flamboyant persona and unusual approach, British photographer Norman Parkinson (1913-1990) injected fresh vitality into fashion photography and celebrity portraiture, immortalizing the icons of the 20th century between the 1930s and 1980s, including Audrey Hepburn, Jerry Hall, David Bowie, the Rolling Stones and Jane Birkin.

Presented by Holt Renfrew Ogilvy, Norman Parkinson: Always in Style showcases 79 of Parkinson’s most iconic images alongside recent discoveries from his extensive portfolio, as well as a selection of 56 magazine covers spanning the 1950s to the 1970s from publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Tatler.

Stepping out of the studio

Norman Parkinson carved his niche early in his career with an unconventional style, stepping out of the studio and often placing his models in lush, unexpected settings. Preferring spontaneity over rigidity, his 1939 photograph of model Pamela Minchin, captured mid-air in a Fortnum & Mason swimsuit on the Isle of Wight for Harper’s Bazaar, epitomizes this philosophy.

Pamela Minchin, Harper’s Bazaar, July 1939 © Iconic Images / The Norman Parkinson Archive 2024

 

“I dream in colour… when you dream in colour… one must photograph in colour.”

 – Norman Parkinson

Reflecting on this image, Parkinson remarked, “When I pulled that picture out of the soup, it confirmed to me for the rest of my life that I had to be a photographer. I was absolutely amazed by the magic of it.” This dynamic approach captured the attention of premier fashion magazines and earned him global recognition. He was also one of the first photographers to incorporate colour. Parkinson famously declared, “I dream in colour… when you dream in colour… one must photograph in colour.”

His images helped propel emerging models like Jerry Hall and Iman to stardom. Over two decades, Parkinson captured iconic moments with the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, as well as renowned fashion designers like Yves Saint Laurent, Hubert de Givenchy, Jean Muir and Zandra Rhodes.

In addition to showcasing Parkinson’s iconic photographs, the exhibition offers a glimpse into fashion history with ten dresses and ensembles from the McCord Stewart Museum’s collection. These pieces, crafted by renowned designers such as Christian Dior, Jacques Griffe, and Jean Patou, provide a tangible connection to the glamour of the past and were specifically chosen to mirror some of the pieces worn by Parkinson’s subjects. And if you like hats, visitors will discover the intricate craftsmanship of Quebec milliners, Fanny Graddon and Yvette Brillon, whose creations add a distinct Canadian flavour to the display.

As visitors journey through the exhibition, they will witness a chronological presentation of Parkinson’s work, allowing them to trace the evolution of fashion and photography over the decades. From the glamour of the 1950s to the bold experimentation of the 1970s, each image tells a story of its own, offering a window into the cultural climate of its era. Don’t miss the chance to witness firsthand the magic of Norman Parkinson’s art.

Wenda Parkinson, Hyde Park Corner, British Vogue, February 1951 © Iconic Images / The Norman Parkinson Archive 2024

All images are courtesy of McCord Stewart Museum.