Sybil Thorndike (1882-1976), Actress; wife of Sir Lewis Casson
Dame Sybil Thorndike
Sitter in 43 portraits
As a star actress of the twentieth century she was best known for playing the title-role in Saint Joan which Bernard Shaw wrote for her. But she was also acclaimed for her performances in Greek tragedy and in Shakespeare. She spent her early years touring with Ben Greet's company in America, and playing seasons at the Gaiety theatre in Manchester. She was the leading lady at the Old Vic throughout the first world war, when she played both male and female parts. In the second world war she toured classics such as Macbeth and Medea around the mining areas of Wales and the North-East. A suffragist, a pacifist and socialist, she was married to the leading actor and director Lewis Casson, a celebrated theatrical partnership that lasted sixty years. She was created a Dame in 1931 and a Companion of Honour in 1970. Her ashes were buried in Westminster Abbey.
by Sir Jacob Epstein
bronze bust, 1925
On display in Room 33 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG 5976
by Bertram Park
bromide print, 9 February 1928
NPG P140(41)
by Howard Instead
matte bromide print, circa 1920
NPG Ax24973
by Howard Instead
matte bromide print, circa 1920
NPG Ax24998
Dame Sybil Thorndike in 'Granite'
by Paul Tanqueray
vintage bromide print, 1926
NPG x26871
by Bassano
vintage print, 3 December 1927
NPG x83491
by Bassano
vintage print, 3 December 1927
NPG x85561
by Bassano
whole-plate glass negative, 3 December 1927
NPG x19086
by Bassano
whole-plate glass negative, 3 December 1927
NPG x19087
Mary Casson; Dame Sybil Thorndike; Ann Casson
by Bassano
whole-plate glass negative, 4 August 1928
NPG x19088
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- Recent acquisition
by Dorothy Wilding
bromide postcard print, 1930s
NPG x160597
by Cecil Beaton
bromide print on white card mount, 1933
NPG x14218
by Bassano
whole-plate film negative, 21 April 1934
NPG x19089
by Bassano
whole-plate film negative, 21 April 1934
NPG x19090
by Bassano
whole-plate film negative, 21 April 1934
NPG x19091
by Bassano
whole-plate film negative, 21 April 1934
NPG x19092
by Bassano
whole-plate film negative, 21 April 1934
NPG x19093
by Bassano
whole-plate film negative, 21 April 1934
NPG x19094
Theatre and Live Entertainment
Groups
Actors and actresses
Place
Lincolnshire
Exhibitions and displays
- Jacob Epstein: Portrait Sculptor
Until 24 November
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