Permissible Beauty, a new installation at Hampton Court Palace for 2023, explores how beauty has been defined in the past and how it has been shaped by our nation's heritage. Informed by art historian and musician David McAlmont’s musings on the art collections at Hampton Court Palace, it features new portraiture by acclaimed photographer, Robert Taylor.
Image credit: Historic Royal Palaces
Learn how the 'Windsor Beauties' defined beauty in the 17th century, and how they have inspired new portraits of creative talents from the Black British Queer community. Taking inspiration from this historic series, an immersive installation uses specially-created portraits of creative talents, through photography, personal testimony, film, performance and music.
Image credit: Historic Royal Palaces
Created by photographer Robert Taylor, the new portraits show the ways the subjects engage with their own lives and the world they live in, and their own creative expression and performance. Our modern sitters show that beauty does not need to be narrow, but can be a celebration of self-expression, self-acceptance and authenticity.
Image credit: Historic Royal Palaces
In the historic spaces of the Communication Gallery and Cartoon Gallery at Hampton Court Palace this exciting project opens a new chapter of British beauty, introducing new ways of seeing, recognising and celebrating beauty today.
Image credit: Historic Royal Palaces
14 January to 12 March 2023
Permissible Beauty | Hampton Court Palace | Historic Royal Palaces (hrp.org.uk)