Eartha Kitt
(1928-2008), SingerSitter in 8 portraits
Born on a cotton plantation in the deep south of the United States and abandoned by her mother, Kitt grew up with an aunt. Graduating from the New York School of Performing Arts, she made her New York debut as a dancer in Blue Holiday (1945). After being called the "most exciting woman in the world" by Orson Welles, he cast her as Helen of Troy in Dr Faustus. She later starred in Batman (1967), owning the role of 'Catwoman' and subsequently becoming the first black woman to achieve mainstream TV success in America. Her distinctive singing style gave her many hits including the Christmas song "Santa Baby". Despite her 'sex kitten' status, she was an outspoken feminist and activist for civil rights.
by (Edward) Russell Westwood
semi-matte bromide print, 1951
NPG x35240
by (Edward) Russell Westwood
glazed bromide print, 1951
NPG x35239
by (Edward) Russell Westwood
glazed bromide print, 1951
NPG x35587
by (Edward) Russell Westwood
semi-matte bromide print, 1951
NPG x35241
by (Edward) Russell Westwood
semi-matte bromide print, 1951
NPG x35242
Eartha Kitt and an unknown woman
by (Edward) Russell Westwood
glazed bromide print, 1951
NPG x35237
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