Gifts of Ellen Graham

Through March 15, 2022

We are pleased to announce Ellen Graham and The Ellen and Ian Graham Foundation has made a comprehensive commitment to transform the Norton's Photography program. The gift includes 25 works of art by internationally acclaimed artist and local Palm Beach resident, Ellen Graham; the establishment of a named endowment to benefit the acquisition, exhibition, and conservation of photography at the Norton; and the naming of the Museum's third floor.

To celebrate this tremendous commitment, an exclusive viewing of the works of photography will be featured in the Museum's Korman Room from March 10-15, 2022.

As part of the Museum's permanent collection, these works will be available to the public for scholarly study and will make a significant contribution to the depth and breadth of the Museum's photographic holdings. Director & CEO Ghislain d'Humieres states "The gifts from Ellen Graham and the Ellen and Ian Graham Foundation are highly impactful in more ways than one. The creation of the named endowment for photography and additional support in naming the Museum's third floor supports the Museum's mission to serve its public through the conservation, education, and special exhibition of the Norton's permanent collection of photography. In addition, the collection of photographs from Ellen Graham will further exemplify this generous legacy and engage and delight Museum visitors for years to come."

From Gloria Swanson to Clint Eastwood, Ellen Graham has photographed some of the most notable and world-renowned public icons, successfully capturing the authentic essence of their personalities rarely seen by the public. She has also been instrumental in capturing the raw moments of everyday life in a highly provocative and edgy works depicting street scenes in New York City, Paris, Havana, Los Angeles, Venice, and Beverly Hill s. The 25 works from Ellen Graham highlight three distinct series of her work: portrait, performance, and street photography. She has worked with nearly every major magazine in the U.S., including W Magazine, Time, and Newsweek. Ellen Graham states, "Photography changed my life. My love of photography inspired me to help the Norton with its mission to promote photography to others."

In addition to the generous gifts of art, The Ellen and Ian Graham Foundation, has established a named endowment to benefit the Museum's Photography department and program in perpetuity. The endowment will support the Norton's acquisition, exhibition, and conservation of photography annually. Supported by the endowment, outreach to the Palm Beach County community will further education efforts and deepen the understanding of the importance of the medium of photography. Lastly, endowment funding will help support the Museum's photography departmental operations. The third floor of the Museum's southwest pavilion will be recognized as "The Ellen and Ian Graham Foundation Floor."