David Warner by Cecil Beaton 1965
David Warner well know English Actor, on both sides of the Atlantic, has adverted a professional portrait sitting since Cecil Beaten coaxed him to it in 1965 at the Age of 24 Known for playing both romantic leads and sinister or villainous characters, across a range of media, he is most famous for his roles in films such as Morgan – A Suitable Case for Treatment, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Ballad of Cable Hogue, Cross of Iron,The Omen, Time Bandits, Tron, Star Trek V and VI, The Lost World, Holocaust, Portrait in Evil, Titanic, and Planet of the Apes.
David Warner & Rory Lewis Photographer
Now 72 I wanted to capture a portrait of a more seasoned experienced Warner for my Northerners Portrait Exhibition. To Coax him into sitting, I wrote several letters to David’s various representing agencies both in the UK and USA; alas without a reply. Not giving up I discovered via Social Networking, David was attending at Hammer Horror Convention in London. Writing anther letter to be delivered on the day of the event, I was delighted to receive a reply a few days later, David agreed to sit for a portrait session in London. I have been a fan of Warner for many years, seeing his Cult Films and TV Appearances from childhood. Now it was my chance to direct David and create some striking Portraiture.
The Sitting was very memorable, David was astonishing, creating expressions and emotions that almost hold the viewer. After the Session I contacted the the National Portrait Gallery who acquired one of the images for their Permanent Collection.
