Shirley Bassey
McBEAN, Angus
(Photographer)
Welsh artist, Angus McBean is best known for his theatrical and inventive photography of the 1930s and 40s. His career in set design and interest in surrealism contributed to his unique photographic style and approach, and made him one of the most sought-after portrait photographers of the twentieth century. This is a photograph of the famous singer from Tiger Bay, Shirley Bassey.
We have a duty of care to all our audiences. This website draws on legacy collections data. We recognise that some of this information may be outdated or discriminatory and we're currently working to review our records. If you have any questions or comments on an artwork, please contact us.
Copyright statement provided by Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales
Details
Collection
Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales
Item Number
NMW A 29528
Historical Associations
Associated Person/Body: McBEAN, Angus
Association Type: Artist
Creation/Production
McBean began his career in the theatre as mask-maker and scenery designer before turning to full-time theatre photography. McBean is renowned for his theatrical and inventive photography of the 1930s and 1940s. Imitated throughout his career, his influence especially in advertising is still prominent today.
In 1935 he opened his own studio; and his prominent style was soon being published in glossy magazines. The Surrealist Exhibition in 1936 was an influence on McBean's theatrical portraits. After the Second World War he opened a larger studio in Covent Garden, and in the 1940s and 1950s was inundated with commissions from theatre companies. In the 1960s McBean photographed the Beatles for their first album.
Role: Artist
Role: Photographer
Period: 1959
Acquisition
Purchase, 18/6/2010
Measurements
Height
(cm): 30
Width
(cm): 30.8
Techniques
Silver dye-bleach print
Material
Photographic paper
Location
In store
Tags
Share
More like this
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
© Estate of Augustus John. All Rights Reserved 2025/Bridgeman Images/Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
(1949 ca)
© Estate of Graham Sutherland/Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
We’re working on releasing this image.
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
© Edna Clarke Hall//Gail Clarke HallAmgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
(1849)
By permission of Amgueddfa Cymru — Museum Wales
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
© Estate of Augustus John. All Rights Reserved 2025/Bridgeman Images/Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
(1969)
© Michael Craig-Martin/Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum