Childhood and Education Journey of Lee Miller in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Lee Miller. From birth to education, explore key events.

Elizabeth "Lee" Miller, Lady Penrose, was an American photographer and photojournalist renowned for her contributions to both fashion and fine art photography. Initially a successful fashion model in 1920s New York City, she moved to Paris and transitioned to working behind the camera. Miller established herself as a skilled photographer, capturing images that reflected the styles and artistic movements of her time.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Legacy & Impact

April 23, 1907: Lee Miller's Birth

On April 23, 1907, Elizabeth "Lee" Miller, later known as Lady Penrose, was born. She became a celebrated American photographer and photojournalist, initially a fashion model in New York City before transitioning to fashion and fine-art photography in Paris.

Others born on this day/year

1930: Man Ray took "Anatomies" photograph of Miller

In 1930, Man Ray took the photograph "Anatomies" of Lee Miller, featuring her neck, during their time together in Paris.

1934: Marriage to Aziz Eloui Bey

In 1934, Lee Miller married the Egyptian businessman and engineer Aziz Eloui Bey and abandoned her studio. She lived in Egypt, taking photographs including Portrait of Space.

1937: Return to Paris

In 1937, Lee Miller had grown bored with her life in Cairo and returned to Paris, reconciling with Man Ray and meeting Roland Penrose.

July 1938: Trip with Roland Penrose

In July 1938, Lee Miller took a trip around the Balkans with her lover, the British surrealist painter Roland Penrose.

April 30, 1945: Photograph in Hitler's Bathtub

On April 30, 1945, Lee Miller was photographed by David E. Scherman in Adolf Hitler's private apartment in Munich, sitting in the bathtub, after visiting the Nazi concentration camp at Dachau. Hitler committed suicide on the same day.

1946: Visit to Man Ray

In 1946, Lee Miller traveled to the United States and visited Man Ray in California with Roland Penrose.

May 3, 1947: Marriage to Roland Penrose

On May 3, 1947, after discovering she was pregnant, Lee Miller divorced Bey and married Roland Penrose.

September 9, 1947: Birth of Antony Penrose

On September 9, 1947, Lee Miller and Roland Penrose's only son, Antony Penrose, was born.

1949: Purchase of Farley Farm House

In 1949, Lee Miller and Roland Penrose bought Farley Farm House in Chiddingly, East Sussex.

2025: Scrapbook of unpublished photographs surfaced.

In Fall 2025, a scrapbook assembled by Roland Haupt with unpublished photographs by Miller and Cecil Beaton surfaced from a private collection.

April 2026: Sale of scrapbook to University of Oxford's Bodleian Libraries

In April 2026, photography dealer Michael Hoppen arranged the sale of a scrapbook of unpublished photographs by Miller and Cecil Beaton to the University of Oxford's Bodleian Libraries. The scrapbook includes Miller's World War II photographs and portraits of celebrities.