The Soapsuds Group at the Living Posters Ball, 1930

A collection of Cecil Beaton’s early work, held in a private American collection for more than 60 years, is going back on show in the UK – and gives an insight into rarefied world of prewar glamour. An exhibition, Cecil Beaton , is at Beetles+Huxley, London, to 20 May. All images: Cecil Beaton