Sir Fred Hoyle
(1915-2001), Astrophysicist, mathematician and writerSitter in 4 portraits
Hoyle is best known for his contributions to the theory of the structure of stars and on the origin of the chemical elements in stars. He was most widely known as a leading proponent of the 'steady state' model of the universe contending that matter is constantly being created, so the expanding universe remains roughly the same at all times and has no beginning or end. He coined the term 'big bang' to ridicule the rival concept of an explosive origin of the universe, but the term is now widely used and the explosion theory is generally accepted. Hoyle was also a prolific author of science fiction. Among his best-known books are The Black Cloud and Ossian's Ride.
by Juliet Pannett
chalk, 1972
NPG 6036
by Antony Barrington Brown
2 1/4 inch square film negative, 13 May 1955
NPG x104770
by Geoff Howard
R-type colour print, March 1980
NPG x126104
by Geoffrey Hoyle
bromide print, early-mid 1980s
NPG x24400
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.