They were called “Bright Young Things” by the British tabloid press. Over in America, “Flaming Youth” was a similar type—daring socially and sexually—but not aristocratic or all that artistic. England’s BYTs exuded privilege, bought by class or talent or both, and they glittered between the wars. Cecil Beaton, who was one of them (through wit, vision, and talent), documented the glamour, here on view. Although the National Portrait Gallery is currently closed, the museum’s website features a four-part video tour of the show by its curator Robin Muir. —L.J.

Cecil Beaton's Bright Young Things was featured in the March 14, 2020 issue of Air Mail. Read on