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Life: Remembering Grace
Howell Conant (1917-1999) first met Grace Kelly on a 1955 modelling assignment, and the two found an instant easy rapport. From then until Grace's untimely death in September, 1982, Conant was always present in Grace's life — in New York City, in Jamaica, in Hollywood, in Monaco — to make the most intimate pictures of this astonishingly lovely person. (In fact, his attendance at the princess' funeral marked the very first time he travelled to Monaco without his camera.) Many of the sublime images in this book appeared in the pages of LIFE, Look , Paris Match , Collier's and other magazines. Several of the photographs are published for the first time.Grace was Howell Conant's greatest subject, and he was her friend, confidante and perfect portraitist. She has been gone for over two decades now, but she-and their friendship will live forever in these pictures.
- GenresBiographyNonfiction
160 pages, Hardcover
First published October 28, 2008
About the author
LIFE
1,174 books70 followersLife was an American magazine published weekly from 1883 to 1972, as an intermittent "special" until 1978, and as a monthly from 1978 until 2000. During its golden age from 1936 to 1972, Life was a wide-ranging weekly general interest magazine known for the quality of its photography.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 23, 2009
"Ever had a better offer in your whole life? One with everything?" - To Catch A Thief.
My favorite actress in one of my favorite movies. She represented, for me, the golden age of Hollywood where films worked to spotlight well their leading women and men and each of her films showed her elegance and glamour worthy of a princess. Her celluloid nobility played out on the global stage.
Discovering her in my youth, after she had already passed beyond this world, I can only hope to look back through biographies and photographs in order to come to know her. What I look for in the histories of people that captivate me is not just what we are permitted to see in front of a camera or in the public eye but the personal moments behind the camera or stage when they are just being human and relaxed like everyone else. This book of remarkable photographs gave me that glimpse into her world with photos I've never seen.
Howell Conant's longtime collaboration and friendship with Grace provide those unique, candid moments with her. Perhaps my favorite series of photographs involve a wide-eyed, open-mouthed Grace preparing to eat an orange. Not only the look of her face but the manner in which she is eating the orange that is whole, peeled and on the end of a fork is simply endearing. Grace's eyes were what first impressed me since once you look upon them you cannot look away because you never want to leave them. One photo personifies that by showing her in a straw hat from only the eyes up as if she dares you to try and turn away from her.
Photos of her on film sets when she was unaware of the camera and appearing lost in her own thoughts while waiting for the crew to set up a scene, sitting at home playing with her dog or behind the palace moments with her prince charming and her children add to my admiration. But better still are moments of spontaneous laughter and playfulness such as a competitive game of charades on her eight day voyage from America to Monacco or an older Princess simply bouncing on a trampoline.
My favorite actress in one of my favorite movies. She represented, for me, the golden age of Hollywood where films worked to spotlight well their leading women and men and each of her films showed her elegance and glamour worthy of a princess. Her celluloid nobility played out on the global stage.
Discovering her in my youth, after she had already passed beyond this world, I can only hope to look back through biographies and photographs in order to come to know her. What I look for in the histories of people that captivate me is not just what we are permitted to see in front of a camera or in the public eye but the personal moments behind the camera or stage when they are just being human and relaxed like everyone else. This book of remarkable photographs gave me that glimpse into her world with photos I've never seen.
Howell Conant's longtime collaboration and friendship with Grace provide those unique, candid moments with her. Perhaps my favorite series of photographs involve a wide-eyed, open-mouthed Grace preparing to eat an orange. Not only the look of her face but the manner in which she is eating the orange that is whole, peeled and on the end of a fork is simply endearing. Grace's eyes were what first impressed me since once you look upon them you cannot look away because you never want to leave them. One photo personifies that by showing her in a straw hat from only the eyes up as if she dares you to try and turn away from her.
Photos of her on film sets when she was unaware of the camera and appearing lost in her own thoughts while waiting for the crew to set up a scene, sitting at home playing with her dog or behind the palace moments with her prince charming and her children add to my admiration. But better still are moments of spontaneous laughter and playfulness such as a competitive game of charades on her eight day voyage from America to Monacco or an older Princess simply bouncing on a trampoline.
February 4, 2023
Excellent book with beautiful photographs by Howell Conant, her personal photographer and friend. Published in 2007 it includes many photo’s never before published.
Grace Kelly was an Icon that I grew up knowing, possibly more for her tragic death and life as the Serene Princess of Monaco than her acting career. This book provides a glimpse into that acting career, her marriage to Prince Rainier and ensuing life. Luckily for the internet, much more information can be gleaned.
A beautiful, classy, fun loving and caring woman.
Grace Kelly was an Icon that I grew up knowing, possibly more for her tragic death and life as the Serene Princess of Monaco than her acting career. This book provides a glimpse into that acting career, her marriage to Prince Rainier and ensuing life. Luckily for the internet, much more information can be gleaned.
A beautiful, classy, fun loving and caring woman.
May 30, 2021
Short book full of gorgeous photographs of Grace Kelly. It’s the story of the 27 year friendship & working relationship of Grace Kelly & a renowned photographer. It’s super interesting & their bond gave him access to her to take intimate photos that showed the “real” Grace throughout her career, wedding & life.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews