Elizabeth David
(1913-1992), Cookery writerSitter in 3 portraits
Cookery writer who introduced French and Mediterranean cuisine to the British home. David developed an interest in cooking whilst studying in Paris and travelling during the War. On returning to England in 1946 she began to write about cookery and in 1949 was asked to write a cooking column for Harper's Bazaar. The following year her first book was published, A Book of Mediterranean Food. llustrated by John Minton, it established a new urbane style in cookery writing. Despite the continuing post-war rationing of food, the popularity of David's books was evidence of an increasingly aspirational attitude in Britain. In 1960 she published French Provincial Cooking which is often considered her finest work.
by John Stanton Ward
ink and wash, 1956
NPG 6217
by Cecil Beaton
vintage bromide print on white card mount, 1970
NPG P869(8)
Related People
- Violet Kate Eglinton Gordon Woodhouse (née Glynne) (aunt)
- Matthew White Ridley, 1st Viscount Ridley (grandfather)
- Gordon Woodhouse (uncle)
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