2 OF 6

Sir David Attenborough; Richard Samuel Attenborough, Baron Attenborough

2 of 6 portraits of Sir David Attenborough

by Ivy Smith
oil on canvas, 1989
59 7/8 in. x 49 in. (1522 mm x 1245 mm)
Commissioned as part of the First Prize, John Player Portrait Award, 1986, 1989
Primary Collection
NPG 6073

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Sittersback to top

Richard Samuel Attenborough, Baron Attenborough (1923-), Actor, producer and director; brother of Sir David Attenborough. Sitter associated with 9 portraits.
Sir David Attenborough (1926-), Naturalist and broadcaster; brother of Baron Attenborough. Sitter in 6 portraits.

Artistback to top

Ivy Smith (1945-). Artist of 3 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Sir David Attenborough, the broadcaster and naturalist, is the maker and presenter of highly influential television films such as the Zoo Quest series (1956-61) and Life on Earth (1979). He is depicted in this portrait together with his brother Lord Attenborough, the actor, producer and film director whose films include the award-winning Oh! What a Lovely War (1968) and Gandhi (1980-1). Both men are keen art collectors. The African sculpture, which belongs to David Attenborough, is a 'Merekun', an ancestral lineage puppet (symobolising the family, to which the tribal priest can add smaller figures) made by the Bambrar people of Mali. The painting is by Victor Pasmore and belongs to his brother. Commissioned by the Trustees as part of the First Prize, John Player Portrait Award, 1981.