Exhibition
FRAGILE BEAUTY
Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection
From 12 June to 27 September 2026
Jeu de Paume – Paris
Marking over thirty years of collecting, Fragile Beauty celebrates Sir Elton John and David Furnish’s passion for photography, reflecting their personal taste and unique eye as collectors. Across five thematic sections, the exhibition explores themes such as desire, celebrity, fashion, reportage, and affirmation of identity.
Sir Elton John began collecting photography in 1991. Today, with over 7,000 images, the private collection he shares with David Furnish is considered one of the largest in the world. Renowned for its exceptional quality, scope, and remarkable depth, the collection spans the 20th and 21st centuries, and includes many works considered pivotal in the history of photography.
Produced by London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, the exhibition showcases over 300 prints covering the period from 1950 to the present day, celebrating the work of over 90 international photographers. The Paris show at the Jeu de Paume offers a selection of images that tell the story of modern and contemporary photography, including work by Robert Mapplethorpe, Herb Ritts, Nan Goldin, Diane Arbus, William Klein, Ryan McGinley, Ai Weiwei, Irving Penn, and Richard Avedon.