Taylor, Burton photo resurfaces after 40 years

The picture by legendary society photographer Cecil Beaton, which was kept in private collection of Beaton's friend, is expected to fetch 12,000 pounds at an auction here, the Daily Mail reported.

Beaton photographed the then 39-year-old star with husband Burton at a black tie event in 1971 despite hating the couple for their "crassness".

She was photographed wearing a couture Valentino dress with a Van Cleef and Arpels necklace entwined in her hair.

Beaton later gave the photograph as a gift to friend Brian Hammond, who owned the Gerry's Club in London's Soho. The picture hung in his club up until he died earlier this year. His family is now auctioning the photo.

In his diaries Beaton wrote, "I have always loathed the Burtons for their vulgarity, commonness and crass bad taste, she combining the worst of US. And English taste, he as butch and coarse as only a Welshman can be.

"She wanted compliments. She got none. I felt I must be professional and continued, but not without loathing at this monster."