10 May, 2019
A new exhibition celebrating the life of actor Audrey Hepburn opened recently in Brussels, Belgium. The opening at the Espace Vanderborght museum marks the 90th anniversary of the movie star's birth in the Belgian capital. She died in 2003.
Hepburn's son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, organized the exhibit called "Intimate Audrey." The collection includes hundreds of private and professional camera images, as well as objects from some of Hepburn's films. Among these is the motor vehicle used in the 1953 movie "Roman Holiday." Hepburn won an Academy Award for her performance in the film.
Ferrer said he wanted to offer a more personal look of the life of the British actress. In her later life, Hepburn spent her time working with aid organizations. She also became a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Children's Fund.
Her son told Reuters, "She lived a humble life, a simple life, and maybe in there lies the key to why she is still so beloved today."
Hepburn was born in 1929 in Brussels to a Dutch mother and a British father. She later moved to London for ballet training and later turned to acting. She appeared in the play "Gigi" in New York in 1951.
She starred in a number of films in the 1950s and 1960s, including "Breakfast at Tiffany's," "Charade" and "My Fair Lady."
Visitors can also view Hepburn's writings and fashion drawings. Ferrer said one important feature of the exhibition was a reproduction of a cherry blossom tree. The tree is a tribute to his childhood home in Switzerland which his parents bought in 1963.
He added, "It is an unusual exhibition because it has been completely devoid of the Hollywood aspect of her career..."
The museum show will close on August 25.
I'm Jonathan Evans.
Jonathan Evans adapted this story for Learning English from a report by the Reuters news service. Caty Weaver was the editor.
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Words in This Story
devoid – adj. completely without
exhibition – n. an event at which objects (such as works of art) are put out in a public space for people to look at : a public show of something
fashion – n. the prevailing style, as in dress, during a particular time
humble – adj. not proud; not thinking of yourself as better than other people
key – adj. important
intimate – adj. very personal or private