Stephen William Hawking

Sitterback to top

• Stephen William Hawking (1942-), Theoretical Physicist. Sitter in 9 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Yolanda Sonnabend (1935-), Theatre designer; artist. Artist of 9 portraits, Sitter in 3 portraits.

This portraitback to top

In the 1980s, encouraged by Margaret Gowing (who was both a Trustee and an historian of science), the Gallery embarked on an active policy of commissioning portraits of scientists, on the grounds that science and technology make a contribution to British culture which is not always well understood by the general public. One of the first such commissions was of Stephen Hawking, who at the time was known only to specialists for his distinguished work on relativity. It was only in 1988 that Hawking became universally known as the author of A Brief History of Time.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Audio Guide
• Hackmann, W.D., Apples and Atoms: Portraits of Scientists from Newton to Rutherford, 1986, p. 82
• Saumarez Smith, Charles, The National Portrait Gallery: An Illustrated Guide, 2000, p. 218
• Saumarez Smith, Charles, The National Portrait Gallery, 1997, p. 218
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 289

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

• The Artist's Process (4 December 2007 - 1 June 2008)
• Icons and Idols: Commissioning Contemporary Portraits (2 March 2006 - 18 June 2006)

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Chairs
• Commissions - Paintings and Drawings
• Disability
• Science, appliance and technology