Cecil Beaton’s Garden Party at the The Garden Museum review: a chance to wallow in Beaton’s charm and gaiety

Cecil Beaton cultivated a stunning array of flowers at both Ashcombe, his cherished first home, and Reddish, his second residence. However, he wasn’t one to be constrained by the seasons. Before heading to the countryside, he would routinely make early morning visits to Covent Garden market, returning with massive boxes filled with exotic blooms. The exhibit features a delightful collection of black-and-white photographs showcasing Beaton’s interiors, adorned with vases overflowing with flowers. Notably, there’s a charming self-portrait from 1930, where he sits gracefully at his desk, accompanied by a striking white peacock and a lavish cascade of white roses that stretches from his desk to the floor.