Last updated: September 2026
Slim Aarons photographs capture a world of sunlit pools, ski resorts and long lunches on the Mediterranean. Decades after they were taken, they are some of the most popular prints for the home. Here is a guide to the photographer, his best known images, and what to look for when buying a Slim Aarons print in New Zealand.
Who was Slim Aarons?
Slim Aarons (George Allen Aarons, 1916 to 2006) was an American photographer born in New York City. He served as a combat photographer in the Second World War, then built his career photographing high society for magazines including Life, Holiday and Town & Country.
He summed up his approach as "attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places." He worked without stylists or makeup artists, relying on his relationships with the people he photographed, which gives his images their relaxed, natural feel.
Slim Aarons, 1968, Photographer Slim Aarons (right) on board a yacht off Capri, Italy.
What are Slim Aarons' most famous photos?
His best known image is Poolside Gossip (1970), taken at the Kaufmann Desert House in Palm Springs, designed by architect Richard Neutra. Other well known works include Kings of Hollywood (1957), which shows Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, James Stewart and Van Heflin at a New Year's Eve party.
His work falls into a few recognisable themes: poolside scenes, alpine ski resorts such as St. Moritz and Cortina d'Ampezzo, and European coastal towns such as Capri.
Slim Aarons prints at Frobisher
Our Slim Aarons range is supplied by Fine Print Co and includes:
- Poolside Gossip
- Skiers in St. Moritz and Lounging in Verbier
- Eden Roc Pool and Desert House Party 2
- Dining Al Fresco on Capri and Villa Del Balbianello
- Polo Party
See all prints in our Slim Aarons collection.
What should I look for when buying a Slim Aarons print?
- Buy from a reputable supplier. The Slim Aarons archive was bought by Getty Images co-founder Mark Getty in 1997, and unlicensed copies are widely sold online. A New Zealand auction house has had to refund buyers after selling Slim Aarons prints sourced from unlicensed websites. Ask the retailer where their prints come from.
- Check the print and frame quality. See the print in person if you can, so you can judge the colour, paper and framing.
- Choose the right size. As a rough guide, artwork above a sofa or sideboard should be around two thirds of the furniture's width.
How do I style Slim Aarons prints at home?
- Pick a theme for the room. Poolside and coastal images suit living rooms and bedrooms. Ski scenes work well in studies, hallways and holiday homes.
- Pull colours from the print. Many Slim Aarons images have strong blues, whites and warm neutrals. Repeat one or two of these in cushions, throws or a rug.
- Hang as a pair or a series. Two or three prints from the same theme, hung together, make a strong feature wall.
You can see a selection of prints in person at our showroom at 322 Manchester Street, Christchurch.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy Slim Aarons prints in New Zealand?
Frobisher stocks a range of Slim Aarons prints, available online and at our Christchurch showroom.
What is Slim Aarons' most famous photograph?
Poolside Gossip (1970), taken at the Kaufmann Desert House in Palm Springs.
Who owns the Slim Aarons archive?
Mark Getty, co-founder of Getty Images, bought the archive in 1997.
When did Slim Aarons live?
Slim Aarons was born in 1916 and died in 2006.
