A new posthumous photography book celebrates the extraordinary career of Douglas Kirkland, the legendary photographer who captured some of Hollywood's most intimate and iconic moments. Titled "Romance," the collection is edited by his widow, Françoise Kirkland, and Sarah Menahem, serving as what Françoise describes as "a love letter to anyone who is as hopeless a romantic as I am."
The book holds particular significance as it echoes Kirkland's most famous assignment: the iconic 1961 Marilyn Monroe photoshoot for Look Magazine's 25th anniversary issue. While Kirkland became renowned for his photographs of celebrities including Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, and Coco Chanel, his work was distinguished by a heartfelt sensitivity that director Baz Luhrmann once praised, saying "Douglas' pictures have this warmth and humanity; they have romance."
"Romance" features an impressive collection of legendary couples and Hollywood icons, showcasing portraits of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, as well as familiar faces like Paul Newman, Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, and Princess Diana. The book also includes behind-the-scenes images from classic silver screen romances including "Out of Africa," "Moulin Rouge!," and "Titanic," along with several never-before-seen photographs from Kirkland's extensive archive.
The book's creation stems from a deeply personal and poignant story of love and preservation. The idea came to Françoise one night shortly after Douglas passed away at age 88. Overwhelmed with sadness and the realization that her husband, whom she described as "a dreamer who saw the world better through his camera," would no longer take pictures, she spent the night searching through his archive for images that spoke to her of love, connection, and togetherness.
Françoise and Menahem emphasize how Douglas, working alongside his wife, produced what they call "nothing less than a pictorial dictionary of romance." His photographs explore the complete spectrum of human affection and connection, capturing everything from tenderness and passion to jealousy and commitment, and even documenting the intimacy that comes with old age. The book carries a heartfelt dedication "to Douglas, the consummate romancer, and all the lovers out there."
Published by Damiani Books, "Romance by Douglas Kirkland" is available at various price points: $55.00, £50.00, and €45.00. The collection stands as a fitting tribute to a photographer who spent his career documenting not just Hollywood's elite, but the universal human experiences of love and connection that transcend celebrity status.
