Search the Collection

George Bernard Shaw

(1856-1950), Playwright

Sitter in 148 portraits
Artist associated with 8 portraits
The foremost playwright of his generation; also a noted critic of the arts, socialist and member of the Fabian Society. Shaw's influence was felt widely in politics and society. During his early career he wrote important musical and dramatic criticism, introduced the British public to the work of Ibsen and wrote some of his best plays. Successful seasons at the Royal Court Theatre (1904-7) established his reputation, and many of his plays, notably Major Barbara (1905) and Pygmalion (1914), later achieved popularity as films. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1925.

More on George Bernard Shaw: Explore the portrait of George Bernard Shaw by Jacob Epstein (NPG 4047) from all angles

1 Like voting
is closed

Thanks for Liking

Please Like other favourites!
If they inspire you please support our work.

Make a donation Close

List Thumbnail

George Bernard Shaw, by Augustus John - NPG 6972

George Bernard Shaw

by Augustus John
pencil, circa 1915
NPG 6972

George Bernard Shaw, by Alfred Eisenstaedt - NPG P2027

George Bernard Shaw

by Alfred Eisenstaedt
bromide print, 1932
NPG P2027

George Bernard Shaw, by Jacob Epstein - NPG 4047

George Bernard Shaw

by Jacob Epstein
bronze bust, 1934
On display in Room 24 on Floor 2 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG 4047

George Bernard Shaw, by Yousuf Karsh - NPG P490(69)

George Bernard Shaw

by Yousuf Karsh
bromide print, 1943
NPG P490(69)

George Bernard Shaw, by Yousuf Karsh - NPG P490(70)

George Bernard Shaw

by Yousuf Karsh
bromide print, 1943
NPG P490(70)

George Bernard Shaw, by Clare Winsten (Clara Birnberg) - NPG 6891

George Bernard Shaw

by Clare Winsten (Clara Birnberg)
pencil on paper laid on board, 1949
NPG 6891

George Bernard Shaw, by Sir Emery Walker - NPG x19645

George Bernard Shaw

by Sir Emery Walker
quarter-plate glass negative, 1888
NPG x19645

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.