Don Bachardy’s Captivating Hollywood Portraits: A Glimpse into the Glamour at Huntington Library
For nearly seven decades, the illustrious painter Don Bachardy has been a magnetic force in Hollywood, drawing an array of celebrities—from the enchanting Marlene Dietrich to the compelling Mark Ruffalo—to his intimate studio. Nestled atop a converted garage at his stunning cliffside bungalow overlooking Santa Monica Canyon, his artistry has birthed an impressive collection of 17,000 portraits, showcased in esteemed institutions such as the Smithsonian, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the National Portrait Gallery in London.
This spring, from April 12 through August, the Huntington Library will host an exceptional exhibition titled “Don Bachardy: A Life in Portraits.” Featuring more than 100 works, ranging from his early black-and-white watercolor sketches to vibrant, expressionistic portraits, this exhibition will also include decades of self-portraits and intimate paintings of his long-term partner, the renowned novelist Christopher Isherwood. Don’t miss the chance to witness what might be the most thorough fine art representation of Tinseltown history.
The Artistic Journey Begins
Don Bachardy’s immersion in the world of glamour started young, fueled by the compassionate spirit of his mother, who secretly saved money to take her sons to early morning movies. A pivotal moment occurred when he was just four, captivated by the red gown of Bette Davis in Jezebel. He recalls, “It was the ‘sausage curls’ on Bette Davis. That was a very early but indelible impression.” His early interest in capturing celebrity likenesses was first inspired by his older brother Ted, who introduced him to the art of portraiture.
As curator Karla Nielsen notes, “Don and his brother would go crash Hollywood premieres and take photos of themselves with all these stars when they were teenagers.” This playful ambition reflects Bachardy’s underlying desire to be part of the glamorous world he adored.
A Life Intertwined with Icons
The true turning point came on Valentine’s Day in 1952, when Bachardy met the charismatic Christopher Isherwood, an encounter that would shape his life and career. At just 18, he found himself smitten with a man whose literary works, particularly The Berlin Stories, inspired the film Cabaret.
Bachardy shares fondly, “I’d never met someone so charming, but he was older than my father.” What began as a fleeting meeting blossomed into decades of artistic collaboration and profound love, leading Bachardy to discover his authentic artistic voice—capturing the raw essence of his subjects without the gloss of makeup or retouching.
Love, Loss, and Legacy
Bachardy’s life was marked by a profound devotion to Isherwood. The couple’s residence on Adelaide Street became a sanctum of creativity—both men thrived in their artistic pursuits while embodying one of the first openly gay couples in Hollywood. Isherwood’s poignant novel A Single Man, which deftly portrays their love amid personal crises, is both a tribute to their relationship and a testament to Bachardy’s enduring talent.
Despite Isherwood’s struggle with terminal cancer, Bachardy devoted himself to painting his beloved partner, creating an astounding 800 portraits during Isherwood’s last six months. Their story has been immortalized in the documentary Chris & Don: A Love Story, illustrating the power of love through art.
An Artistic Reflection of Icons
Today, Bachardy’s studio is a treasure trove of portraits, featuring luminaries like Frances McDormand and Jack Nicholson. Each sitting demands total stillness from the subject—a testament to his meticulous method of working solely from life. “Painting only from life and during one session allows me to capture the essence of my subjects,” Bachardy shared.
Celebrities who’ve sat for him, including Angelina Jolie, rave about his magic: “His portraits are soulful; each stroke is intentional, and his use of color is poetry,” she noted. Indeed, Bachardy’s ability to unveil the spirit and soul of his subjects has garnered him admiration from various corners of Hollywood.
Preserving the Legacy
In January, as threats loomed from nearby wildfires, thousands of portraits remained sheltered within the walls of Adelaide. With fire dancing dangerously close, Bachardy’s dedication to his art—and the invaluable works he holds dear—remains steadfast.
Reflecting on his legacy, he remarked, “My work is a history of my lifetime, about all the people I’ve known… all the ones who sat for me.” As Bachardy’s remarkable journey continues, his upcoming exhibition at the Huntington Library promises not only to educate but to resonate with every admirer of artistry and the enchanting world of Hollywood.
For more insights on the exhibition or to plan your visit to the Huntington Library, check out Huntington Library’s website.
Get Inspired
“Don Bachardy: A Life in Portraits” is sure to be an unmissable celebration of both the subject and the artist—a vibrant intersection of history, artistry, and the enchanting storytelling that defines Hollywood.
