Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson Cheltenham

Cheltenham has been graced with something rather special this month; an enchanting exhibition of a woman we're all familiar with. Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon opened at The Wilson on the 9th November, having come direct from The National Portrait Gallery, and the fact that it's the only other place to be showing the exhibition outside of London is a pretty big deal. 

The seventy plus photographs illustrate the life of actress and fashion icon Audrey Hepburn (1929 - 1993), from her early years as a chorus girl in London’s West End right through to her UNICEF work in later life. There are personal pictures of the star - lent by her sons Sean Hepburn Ferrer and Luca Dotti - classic shots, rarely seen prints from leading photographers (Richard Avedon, Cecil Beaton and Irving Penn), film stills and various vintage magazine covers.

Rather than giving us an extra insight into Audrey's story, the exhibition seems more about her collaboration with photographers in the creation of her iconic persona. The wide bambi-like-eyes, the face half turned, the closed mouth, the half smile, the cropped hair, the signature brows; it's the same look in almost every photo. 

In contrast to her contemporaries - the likes of buxom blonde Marilyn Monroe - Hepburn shied away from the sexual pin up image, presenting a new standard of beauty. She achieved in herself her ultimate portrait, and draped in Givenchy, she's the pinnacle of glamour intrigue. 

Whilst wandering around the exhibition in complete awe of her sophisticated style, I found myself playing a game; desperately searching for those moments where she'd let her guard down, giving us little glimpses of her personality. It does happen a few times, but there's nothing revealing, it simply keeps the curiosity going. 

The feminine colour prints really stood out against stark black and white photos, and such highly polished, aesthetic portrayals of the innocent Audrey Hepburn made it tricky to pick out any favourites (they're all gorgeous)... Perhaps that just means I need to go back.

Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon is at The Wilson until 31st January 2016. Tickets are priced at £7 adults / £5 concessions / free for those aged 16 & under. You can purchase them by popping in or calling the gallery (01242 237 431), or you can book them online. Catch it before it's gone!