This January, Dorchester Collection’s 45 Park Lane is set to launch its highly anticipated first art exhibition of 2025: Icons of the Silver Screen: Legends, Moments, and Memories. Curated by Lily Ackerman of Ackerman Studios in collaboration with the renowned fine art photography gallery Iconic Images, the exhibition will open on January 31, 2025, perfectly timed to coincide with the award season.
A Tribute to Hollywood’s Finest
The exhibition promises an extraordinary showcase of cinematic history through the lenses of celebrated photographers who captured some of Hollywood’s most legendary figures. Notable artists featured include:
- Terry O’Neill: Known for his iconic portraits, including a captivating image of Faye Dunaway at The Beverly Hills Hotel after her 1977 Oscar win, reclining amid scattered newspapers announcing her victory.
- Gered Mankowitz: A master of atmospheric photography, including stunning portraits of Elizabeth Taylor.
- Norman Parkinson: One of the pioneering fashion photographers, best known for his definitive 1955 image of Audrey Hepburn.
- Dafydd Jones: Celebrated for his compelling reportage from Oscar parties.
The exhibition will also feature works by Greg Brennan, Eve Arnold, Kevin Cummins, Eva Sereny, Milton H. Greene, and Richard Corman, with portraits of award-winning legends such as Jack Nicholson and Sammy Davis Jr. offering a nostalgic glimpse into Hollywood’s golden age.
Lee Kelly, General Manager of 45 Park Lane, shared his excitement:
“Icons of the Silver Screen: Legends, Moments, and Memories brings together some of the most extraordinary photographs of the world’s greatest talents, offering a unique perspective on the stories behind these iconic images. This exhibition reflects our ongoing commitment to showcasing compelling artistic narratives, and we are thrilled to kick off 2025 with such a remarkable collection.”
Accompanying the exhibition is a beautifully crafted brochure that unveils the captivating stories behind these iconic images. Among them is the story of Terry O’Neill’s celebrated photograph, The Morning After, featuring Faye Dunaway. O’Neill recounted:
“I wanted to capture the moment it dawns on her that overnight she’s become not just a star, but also a millionaire. I didn’t want the clichéd shot with the award. I convinced her to meet me by the pool the morning after. She arrived sleepless, and I captured the moment with a few quick snaps. It became one of Hollywood’s defining images.”
Kevin Cummins also shared a memorable moment from his 1989 shoot with Liza Minnelli at The Dorchester:
“When I told Liza we’d use the fading window light for the shot, she was relieved. Previous photographers brought big lights and crowds, which only got in the way. I stood on a table in front of her, lens wide open to focus on her eyes. She was surprised when we wrapped quickly and invited me for a cup of tea and a chat.”
Other enchanting anecdotes, such as Marilyn Monroe’s collaboration with Eve Arnold and Greg Brennan’s chance encounter with Lady Gaga, will also be available for visitors to explore upon request.
Displayed throughout the public areas of 45 Park Lane, Icons of the Silver Screen will be open to guests and visitors until April 20, 2025, offering an unparalleled opportunity to witness some of the most captivating moments in cinema history captured through the eyes of legendary photographers.
45 Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1K 1PN
