Fashion, glamour and the streets: Norman Parkinson Exhibition

Parkinson’s homage to a painting by Dutch artist Kees van Dongen entitled The Corn Poppy. Adele Collins wearing an Otto Lucas velvet toque. British Vogue, November 1959.

Looking for something stylish and inspiring to do in the Netherlands? Don’t miss the exhibition ‘Streets in, Studios out!’, celebrating the life and work of British fashion photographer Norman Parkinson (1913-1990).

This exciting exhibition takes you on a journey through Parkinson’s seven-decade career, showing how he changed fashion photography forever. Before Parkinson, fashion images were mostly stiff, posed studio portraits. He brought models outside, into the streets, onto beaches, and into real life – full of movement, colour, and energy.

Known for his elegant yet playful style, Parkinson’s photos were fresh and full of personality. His pictures appeared in famous magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Life and Town & Country. You’ll see striking portraits of stars like Audrey Hepburn, Jane Birkin, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and many more.

This exhibition shows Parkinson’s journey, from his early black-and-white photos in the 1930s to the vibrant colour photos of the 1970s and 1980s. You’ll learn how he used natural light, exotic locations and spontaneous moments to capture fashion in a whole new way. Parkinson didn’t just take pictures – he told stories. Whether photographing models in Jamaica or celebrities in London, his images feel like scenes from a movie. He made fashion feel alive, fun and sometimes even a bit cheeky.

Even today, photographers still follow his style. His creativity, bold choices and sense of humour helped shape modern fashion photography. This exhibition is a great way to explore art, history, culture, and fashion, all through the lens of one remarkable man.

Whether you’re a fashion lover, a photography fan, or just curious about 20th-century culture, ‘Streets in, Studios out!’ is a must-see. Come and discover how one man’s vision changed the way we see fashion forever!

10 May 2025 – 16 August

Elliott Gallery
Tussen de Bogen 91
1013 JB Amsterdam

elliott.gallery/norman-parkinson