Charles James Dawson
(1917-2006), Photographer and soldierArtist associated with 2 portraits
Charles James Dawson was born in south-east London in 1917. He won worldwide acclaim for his picture of Queen Elizabeth II, in her coach, returning from the opening of parliament in 1952. He also had many pictures included in the Press Pictures of the Decade exhibition. His career had taken off when he was enlisted into the No.2 Army Film & Photographic Unit which covered the invasion of Sicily and the following battles up through Italy. On reaching Pisa, he was detailed for a special job documenting the work of the anti-fascist partisans. For his services with the partisans, Charles was mentioned in despatches and awarded the British Empire Medal.
by Charles James Dawson, for Central Press, published by James Valentine & Sons Ltd
bromide postcard print, 4 November 1952
NPG x132905
by Charles James Dawson, for Central Press, published by Raphael Tuck & Sons
colour postcard print, 4 November 1952
NPG x132906
Comments back to top
We are currently unable to accept new comments, but any past comments are available to read below.
If you need information from us, please use our Archive enquiry service . Please note that we cannot provide valuations. You can buy a print or greeting card of most illustrated portraits. Select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Buy a Print button. Prices start at around £6 for unframed prints, £16 for framed prints. If you wish to license an image, select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Use this image button, or contact our Rights and Images service. We digitise over 8,000 portraits a year and we cannot guarantee being able to digitise images that are not already scheduled.