Filson to loan artwork to National Portrait Gallery in London
LOUISVILLE, KY – The Filson Historical Society will be represented across the pond through the loan of a piece of artwork for display at the National Portrait Gallery in London, England’s “Cecil Beaton’s Fashionable World” exhibit. The exhibition, which runs from October 9, 2025 through January 11, 2026, is the first dedicated to Beaton’s groundbreaking contributions to fashion and portrait photography.
On loan from the Filson is “Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Williams in their Palm Beach Home, 1936,” a watercolor and gouache on water paper. Known as “The Kentucky Countess,” Mrs. Harrison Williams is none other than Mona Von Bismark. Through the acquisition of artwork, manuscript collections, and photographs from the Mona Bismark American Center, the Mona Von Bismark Photograph Collection is accessible on the Filson’s website.
Cecil Beaton (1904-1980) is considered one of the leading British photographers of the 20th century. A staff photographer for both “Vanity Fair” and “Vogue,” Beaton often photographed the Royal family. His early studio portraits helped define the image of the “bright young thing,” the notorious bohemian socialites and aristocrats known for decadent parties and hedonistic behavior. In addition to his portrait work, Beaton was also an acclaimed film and stage designer, winning three Oscars for costume and art direction for the films “Gigi” in 1958 and “My Fair Lady” in 1965.
Kelly Hyberger, Director of Curatorial Affairs, stated, “Having this work of art featured in an exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, London speaks to the caliber of the historic documents, artifacts, and objects we steward. The Filson is proud that our collections continue to receive national and international recognition, and we are thrilled to have this opportunity to share our collections with museum visitors from around the world.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Williams in their Palm Beach Home, 1936” will begin its journey to England on Monday, September 8 between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m.
For more information on Filson collections, including the Mona Bismark Photograph Collection, please contact Kelly Hyberger at gro.l1758670841aciro1758670841tsihn1758670841oslif1758670841@regr1758670841ebyhk1758670841. For interviews with either Kelly Hyberger or Dr. Patrick Lewis, please contact Jamie Evans at gro.l1758670841aciro1758670841tsihn1758670841oslif1758670841@snav1758670841ej1758670841.