Lehmann Maupin Presents YUL, Yul Brynner: A Photographic Journey 9/12-25

Lehmann Maupin is pleased to present YUL, Yul Brynner: A Photographic Journey, on view at 201 Chrystie Street, September 12 - 25 2010. YUL is an exhibition comprised of 70 works celebrating the release of the book by the same title, which presents Brynner's photographic oeuvre for the first time. Brynner's reputation as one of the twentieth century's most charismatic and versatile actors is irrefutable, but his talent as a photographer has been relatively unknown and unacknowledged, until now. The four-volume book, published by Edition 7L and edited by Brynner's daughter Victoria Brynner, comprises a selection made from 8,000 images and press cuttings, and includes forwards by Ingrid Sischy, Stefano Tonchi, Martin Scorsese and Bruce Weber.

Brynner's subjects are some of the most pivotal figures of cinematic and stage history. His talent lies in capturing these people at ease, particularly actors, who are known to disguise their true persona when faced with a camera. These intimate photos were taken both on and off set: Charlton Heston as Moses in The Ten Commandments, Audrey Hepburn in a gondola in Venice, ElizaBeth Taylor relaxing poolside. YUL also includes candid shots of Brynner's family.

Lehmann Maupin's exhibition will feature photographs chosen from each of the four volumes: "Lifestyle", "Life on Set", "1956", and "Man of Style." The exhibition accompanying the release of the book, commemorates the twenty-fifth anniversary of Brynner's death. Yul is a celebration of Brynner's life through his photographic legacy. The book also paints a complex portrait of the man himself. Yul Brynner was an actor, director, musician and photographer.

Brynner is best known for his depiction on stage and screen of King Mongkut in The King and I, for which he won both Academy and Tony Awards. Brynner's other films include The Ten Commandments (1956), Anastasia (1956), The Buccaneer (1958), The Magnificent Seven (1960) and Westworld (1973).

With special thanks to Swarovski & Audi for their support of this exhibition.

In 1895, Daniel Swarovski I, a Bohemian inventor and visionary, moved to the village of Wattens, Tyrol in Austria, with his newly-invented machine for cutting and polishing crystal jewellery stones. From this beginning that revolutionised the fashion world, Swarovski has grown to be the world's leading producer of precision-cut crystal for fashion, jewellery and more recently lighting, architecture and interiors. Today, the Swarovski group, still family-owned and run by 4th and 5th generation family members, has a global reach with some 24,800 employees, a presence in over 120 countries and a turnover in 2009 of 2.25 billion Euros. Swarovski comprises two major businesses, one producing and selling loose elements to the industry and the other creating design-driven finished products. Swarovski crystals have become an essential ingredient of international design. Since 1965 the company has also catered to the fine jewellery industry with precision-cut genuine and created gemstones. Showing the creativity that lies at the heart of the company, Swarovski's own brand lines of accessories, jewellery and home décor items are sold through more than 1,800 retail outlets worldwide. The Swarovski Crystal Society has close to 350,000 members across the world, keen collectors of the celebrated crystal figurines. And in Wattens, Swarovski Kristallwelten, the multi-media crystal museum, was opened in 1995 as a celebration of Swarovski's universe of innovation and inspiration. The Swarovski group also includes Tyrolit®, manufacturing grinding tools, Swareflex, for road safety reflectors and Swarovski Optik, producing precision optical instruments.

For further information please contact Bethanie Brady at 212 255 2923, Bethanie@LehmannMaupin.com, or visit our website www.lehmannmaupin.com. For gallery news and exclusive artist updates become a Facebook Fan of Lehmann Maupin.