John Randall Bratby; Josephine ('Joey') Pleasence (née Crombie)
2 of 3 portraits by John Randall Bratby
John Randall Bratby; Josephine ('Joey') Pleasence (née Crombie)
by John Randall Bratby
oil on canvas, 1967
66 in. x 36 in. (1676 mm x 914 mm)
Purchased, 1988
Primary Collection
NPG 6555
Sittersback to top
- John Randall Bratby (1928-1992), Painter and writer; Editor-in-chief of Art Quarterly. Sitter in 25 portraits, Artist or producer of 3 portraits. Identify
- Josephine ('Joey') Pleasence (née Crombie) (1929-1997), Actress and nurse; second wife of Donald Pleasence. Sitter in 1 portrait. Identify
Artistback to top
- John Randall Bratby (1928-1992), Painter and writer; Editor-in-chief of Art Quarterly. Artist or producer of 3 portraits, Sitter in 25 portraits. Identify
Linked publicationsback to top
- Gibson, Robin, John Bratby Portraits, 1991 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 8 March - 27 May 1991), p. 36
- Rideal, Liz, Insights: Self-portraits, 2005, p. 18 Read entry
Concentrating on the raw basics of human life, Bratby’s choice of subject matter ranged from images of the lavatory to the breakfast table. As with many self-portraits, what appears to be a traditional, timeless work actually locates him firmly in his own timeframe: his leather jerkin, heavy framed glasses and the model’s pointed shoes are typical of the 1960s. These objects, combined with the disarray of his painting equipment, indicate an admission of the temporary nature of our lives. Including himself twice also somehow seems to suggest the urgency of capturing the passing moment.
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1967back to top
Current affairs
Harold Wilson decides to devalue the pound by nearly 15% in order to ' break out from the straitjacket' of boom and bust economics. The decision was controversial and prompted Wilson to reassure the public that the 'pound in your pocket' would not be worth any less.Art and science
The Beatles release Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, with a record sleeve designed by pop artist, Peter Blake. The band's musical experimentation and colourful new look was an example of psychedelic, and the LP is often regarded as one of the first concept albums.International
Che Guevara is captured and executed in Bolivia. The guerrilla leader and revolutionary icon was hunted down by the CIA and captured and shot by Bolivian Special Forces. He had been leading Bolivian insurgents in an attempt to overthrow the government.Comments back to top
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