GRIT AND GLAMOUR
THE ELIZABETH TAYLOR TRUST & THE ELIZABETH TAYLOR AIDS FOUNDATION
9th October – 7th November 2015
One of the most unforgettable figures of the stage and screen, Elizabeth Taylor possessed a rare and multi-faceted fame – a fame that spoke of her talent, her beauty and her tireless activism. Such a star as to be definitive, the actress channelled her celebrity status into the humanitarian work to which she remained resolutely committed throughout her life.
Getty Images Gallery, in collaboration with The Elizabeth Taylor Trust and The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, have produced a major photographic exhibition to mark 30 years since the actress first began her leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Photographs on show and on sale will include never before seen images that span the decades of her legendary career as an actress, and a behind-the-scenes look into the life of one of the most photographed women of all time.
The inextinguishable spirit that saw Ms Taylor captivate the world from child star of National Velvet to global champion for HIV/AIDS was one too rich for the screen to contain. As such, her story is one not just of cinema and glamour, but also of strength, character and compassion. In the exhibition, one witnesses the journey of a life lived remarkably and the complexity that drives such unimaginable success.
With exquisite studio portraits, contact sheets and unguarded backstage shots, the exhibition is a photographic insight into one of the most extraordinary women of our age.
Louise Garczewska, Director of Getty Images Gallery said “We are delighted to partner with The Elizabeth Taylor Trust and The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation on this major exhibition. Many of the images will not have been seen before and provide a fascinating insight into an incredible woman. We hope the exhibition will raise much-needed funds for HIV/AIDS projects and ensure Elizabeth Taylor’s legacy continues.”
“It has been very special for me to look through these photographs spanning decades of my mother’s life,” said Ms. Taylor’s son, Christopher Wilding. “They remind me how special and unique it was growing up around her; life often took on the magical atmosphere of the traveling circus. But mom never “played” the celebrity; she lived life on her own terms and was always true to herself. She had a keen sense of fairness, and she always sided with the underdog. She stood up for what she believed in.”
The images form a special limited edition and are available to purchase in a variety of sizes, framed or unframed. A percentage of the proceeds from each sale will benefit The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF).
“Ms Taylor set up her estate so that 100% of ETAF’s operating costs would be covered by her Trust allowing all donations to go directly to helping people living with HIV and AIDS. ETAF has awarded grants to nearly 700 organizations in 37 countries around the globe including the Terrance Higgins Trust in London,” said Joel Goldman, Managing Director of The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
