WHAT?  Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection

WHERE?  The Sainsbury Gallery, V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL

WHEN?  Now until 5th January 

WHY GO?  For a lens on life.  It’s hard to imagine anyone amassing such a vast and diverse collection of photographs by some 140 of the finest photographers in history, but if anyone has the passion, money and inclination, it’s Sir Elton John.  

Just as royalty in the past collected paintings he collects photographs and is sharing them with the world in this mind blowing exhibition that is brilliantly curated to attract every taste and predilection.

On display for the first time, many in bespoke frames which are works of art themselves, are photographs on loan from his and David Furnish’s own private homes.

They have collected rare photographs from the past by legendary names like Horst and Avedon, to the present, from contemporary names like David LaChapelle and Sam Taylor-Johnson.   

The collection is regarded as one of the leading private collections in the world. 

If you favour images of celebrities like Monroe, there’s the iconic American photojournalist Eve Arnold, if you veer towards the provocative, there’s Tom Bianchi’s gay poolside series or if you want to appreciate the more painterly side of Robert Mapplethorpe, there’s a cluster of his exotic flowering blooms. 

Central to the show is a major tribute to their lifetime friend, American activist Nan Goldin, famous for documenting New York’s subculture.  Her radical Thanksgiving series from 1973-1999 is shown in its entirety, all 149 images on display from floor to ceiling. 

It’s quite a trip, as is the whole show which should be viewed time and again to truly absorb its scale, beauty and depth.

IN THE KNOW  Watch Elton John and David Furnish discuss their love of photography and share personal reflections as they introduce the exhibition online.  It’s a lively discussion where their passion for collecting photographs as important moments in history shines through.