AN exhibition chronicling the work of one of the most famous fashion photographers of the 20th Century is to go on show at a North-East museum.

Norman Parkinson: Portraits in Fashion opens at the Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, in the new year.

The exhibition has come from the National Portrait Gallery, in London.

Parkinson (1913-1990) was considered the greatest living English photographer by Photography magazine in 1964.

He worked for several international publications, including Vogue magazine, and his style transformed the static, posed approach to fashion photography.

His idiosyncratic persona charmed his sitters and projected an alluring and glamorous public image.

The exhibition will contain a selection of Parkinson's photographs, concentrating on the styles of the 1950s.

They are all examples of his work for Vogue between 1948 and 1959.

Joanna Hashagen, exhibition curator and keeper of textiles at the Bowes Museum, said: "It has been so exciting to be able to choose an additional number of Parkinson photos that make links with dress in this collection.

"His pictures of romantic evening gowns and tailored suits provide a definitive image of the 1950s and the look is still sought after today, judging by the revival of the little tweed suit this season."

A hardback book by Robin Muir will accompany the exhibition and will be available from the Bowes Museum for £30.

The exhibition opens on Saturday, February 5, and runs until June 5. For details, call the museum on (01833) 690606 or visit www.bowesmuseum. org.uk