Rare Elizabeth Taylor photos in SMU DeGolyer Library collection

Elizabeth Taylor, who died earlier this week in California, visited Texas several times during her career and was photographed by J. Allen Hansley. The photographs are part of the J. Allen Hansley Collection at SMU’s DeGolyer Library. (see samples below)

She appeared in 1987 at Neiman-Marcus to promote her new perfume, Passion. She also was photographed by Hansley at an AIDS fundraising event with Dillard's department stores in Dallas on April 24, 1996. The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation and Dillard's raised $7, 500 each for Bryan's House and AIDS Services of Dallas.

Hansley was a Dallas celebrity and special event photographer for more than 30 years. His collection includes photos taken between 1976 and 2004 of celebrities such as Cher, Stacy Keach, Luciano Pavarotti and Tina Turner.

The Hansley Collection is part of DeGolyer Library’s photography collection, which includes more than 400,000 images. The collection supports the study of the history of the American West, Mexico and transportation world-wide. 

Many images can be viewed online. Visit http://smu.edu/cul/degolyer/photographs.htm

Elizabeth Taylor in Dallas in 1987 to promote her perfume.	Elizabeth Taylor in Dallas in 1987 to promote her perfume.	Elizabeth Taylor greets Dallas Mayor Annette Strauss in 1987.
Elizabeth Taylor in Dallas in 1996 for AIDS fundraiser.	Elizabeth Taylor in Dallas in 1996 for AIDS fundraiser.	Click an image for a larger version.