John Desmond Bernal
(1901-1971), ScientistSitter in 6 portraits
Crystallographer. Born in Ireland, John Desmond Bernal studied at Cambridge (1919-23) where his encyclopaedic knowledge earned him the nickname 'Sage'. Concern about poverty inspired his studies and the influence of Marxism, evident in The Social Function of Science (1939). Appointed the first lecturer in Structural Crystallography at Cambridge, Bernal became assistant director of the Cavendish Laboratory in 1934. In 1963 he became the first Professor of Crystallography at Birkbeck College. He served during the Second World War as an adviser to Home Security, Bomber Command and Combined Operations.
by Edmond Xavier Kapp
lithographic chalk, 1920s
NPG 6090
by Ramsey & Muspratt
bromide print, 1932
NPG P363(3)
by Ramsey & Muspratt
bromide print, 1933
NPG P363(4)
by Wolfgang Suschitzky
gelatin silver print, 14 April 1949
NPG P304
by Peter de Francia
oil on canvas, 1966
NPG 6396
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