4 rare photos of the Kennedy family, revealed 40 years later

Tags: educational program

Jackie rocks Caroline in the shallows in Port Hyannis, 1959

© Mark Shaw

The most famous first family in American history is the theme of a new photo exhibition that will open at Prud Central London this week. Documenting Kennedy's golden years, from JFK's role as a senator to his early presidency, intimate portraits capture the family in their prime, unaware of impending tragedy.

Portrait of Jackie and JFK, White House, 1959

© Mark Shaw

Celebrating the 55th anniversary of JFK's assassination, the exhibition features photographs taken by Mark Shaw, a former member ofHarper's Bazaar, his other notable photographs were Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Brigitte Bardot and Pablo Picasso.

Jackie sits in the John F. Kennedy Senate, Washington, DC, 1959

© Mark Shaw

Shaw's close relationship with Kennedy placed him in the confidential position of an unofficial family photographer who was eagerly invited to chronicle his life both at the White House and at his holiday home in Port Hyannis. Images range from posed portraits to more naturalistic shots, such as the touching scene in which Jackie rocks her daughter high in the air on the beach.

Jackie, JFK and Caroline, Hyannis Patio, 1959

© Mark Shaw

The paintings are all the more affected by what happened after they were taken: Shaw, struck by the unexpected death of his friend, almost completely retired from professional photography and subsequently died at the age of 47, after which many of his works were hidden and remained out of sight for over four decades. This exhibition is a timely opportunity to revisit them, recognizing their intrinsic artistic value and the light they shed at an important historical moment.