If you have not yet visited the Fragile Beauty photography exhibition at the V&A, I can highly recommend doing so. The entrance charge is extraordinary value for money in return for viewing the images on show from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish collection. You’ll need to set aside at least an hour and a half and preferably a fair bit longer to take a relaxed look at the hundreds of photographs – including some very famous images from equally famous photographers.
The images are arranged by category: Fashion; Stars of Stage, Screen and Studio; Desire; Reportage; The American Scene; Fragile Beauty; Constructed Images; Towards Abstraction. Doubtless some will appeal more than others, depending on viewpoint, but all are striking and, in their own way, important.
The text details can be a little difficult to read because of their relatively low positioning, the choice of black type on a grey background and lack of light. They may put a strain on your back but they are informative and the effort is rewarded.
Fragile Beauty runs until 5 January 2025 so there’s plenty of time to fit a visit into your schedule – but it is a busy exhibition so book in advance. Details at: Fragile Beauty
