Sir Elton John and David Furnish began collecting photography three decades ago. In that time, they’ve amassed a substantial collection (numbering more than 4,000) that reflects their passion for the medium and charts the many ways in which the medium has made an impact on our lives – from creating definitive moments in fashion and capturing celebrity icons, to documenting the struggles and triumphs of communities that have been marginalised.

Key works from this private collection, including rare prints from groundbreaking figures, are now going on show in public for the first time at the V&A, who are hosting a special exhibition titled Fragile Beauty, until January next year. Grouped into eight thematic sections, this breathtaking exhibition at the V&A spans from the 1950s to today, with works by everyone from Robert Mapplethorpe, Cindy Sherman, William Eggleston, Diane Arbus and Sally Mann to Zanele Muholi, Ai Weiwei, Carrie Mae Weems, Tyler Mitchell and Trevor Paglen.

Fragile Beauty gives a sense of personal taste, but it also becomes a story much larger than that – piecing together a narrative about shifting society, through individual stories and responses. It is also, of course, gorgeous to look at. Sir Elton and Furnish told the BBC in a statement about the show that visitors can expect a showcase of “some of the most beloved photographers and iconic images from within our collection. We look forward to sharing this exhibition with the public.”