Godmothers Gather: Françoise Kirkland

Françoise Kirkland takes the stage to share “Douglas Kirkland: Romance,” a striking collection of photos by her late husband that spotlights famous and anonymous couples who embody a vision of romance that transcends generations. She’ll be joined in conversation by Godmothers co-founder Victoria Jackson.

When thinking of the work of Canadian-American photographer Douglas Kirkland (1934–2022), one inevitably recalls images of Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, and Coco Chanel, among many others. Yet at the heart of his images of both celebrities and anonymous subjects―intimate or iconic―is a heartfelt sensitivity.

As director Baz Luhrmann once said, “Douglas’ pictures have this warmth and humanity; they have romance.”

Featuring iconic couples such as Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton; familiar faces including Paul Newman, Judy Garland, Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, and Princess Diana; silver screen romances from Out of Africa, Moulin Rouge!, and Titanic; and never-before-seen images, this book showcases Kirkland’s magnificent appetite for love, joy and the beauty of human connection.

Kirkland's photographs celebrate love in all its forms―playful, tender, and enduring―reflecting passion, affection, and companionship across generations. As another added tribute to love, Romance is thoughtfully coedited by Douglas Kirkland's wife, Françoise.

This event will be hosted in our third-floor loft space, which is only accessible by stairs.