John Gielgud; Adele Dixon in 'The Good Companions'

© estate of Paul Tanqueray

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John Gielgud; Adele Dixon in 'The Good Companions'

by Paul Tanqueray
bromide print, 1931
9 1/2 in. x 7 in. (240 mm x 178 mm)
Photographs Collection
NPG x17233

Sittersback to top

  • Adele Dixon (1908-1992), Actress and singer. Sitter in 3 portraits.
  • Sir John Gielgud (1904-2000), Actor and theatre director. Sitter in 123 portraits.

Artistback to top

  • Paul Tanqueray (1905-1991), Photographer. Artist or producer associated with 186 portraits, Sitter in 8 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This portrait taken in Tanqueray's studio shows Gielgud and Dixon as 'Inigo Jollifant' and 'Susie Dean' of the Dinky Doos for Edward Knoblock's adaptation of J B Priestly's novel and play about a group of people who meet on the road and form The Good Companions' Gielgud played a disillusioned schoolteacher who joins the company to write its songs. The production was a huge success and ran for almost a year. Gielgud also appeared in a film version of this in which he played opposite Jessie Matthews.

Placesback to top

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Events of 1931back to top

Current affairs

Sailors at the Invergordon naval base mutiny in response to pay cuts. The cuts of up to 25% were part of the government's attempt to deal with the Great Depression by reducing public spending. Sailors protested by holding meetings and refusing orders.
Dr Harold Moody founds the League of Coloured Peoples, lobbying for equal rights for black people in Britain and for international civil rights.

Art and science

The modern tube map is introduced. Harry Beck's design was unique in following the properties of a circuit diagram rather than the geographical location of the stations.
The Vic-Wells Ballet company is founded by Dame Ninette de Valois and housed by Lilian Baylis at Sadler's Wells Theatre. It was granted a Royal Charter in 1957 and became the Royal Ballet.

International

The Second Spanish Republic is established. Following an election dominated by the Republicans, King Alfonso XIII abdicated and a new constitution was drawn up.
The Statute of Westminster grants legislative equality to the self-governing Dominions of the British Empire. The Statue decreed that the British Government could no longer make ordinary law for the dominions unless it was at their request and with their consent.

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