Iris Murdoch
2 of 35 portraits of Iris Murdoch
© reserved; collection National Portrait Gallery, London
Iris Murdoch
by Nicolas Clerihew Bentley
pen and ink, circa 1961
7 1/8 in. x 7 1/2 in. (182 mm x 189 mm) uneven
Purchased with funding from the Elizabeth Weisz Fund, 2011
Primary Collection
NPG 6912
Sitterback to top
- Dame (Jean) Iris Murdoch (1919-1999), Novelist and philosopher. Sitter in 35 portraits.
Artistback to top
- Nicolas Clerihew Bentley (1907-1978), Publisher, artist and writer. Artist or producer of 5 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.
Events of 1961back to top
Current affairs
Peter Benenson's article The Forgotten Prisoners is published internationally, inspiring the founding of the human rights organisation, Amnesty International.The philosopher and peace activist Bertrand Russell is imprisoned for inciting civil disobedience during a sit down demonstration at the Ministry of Defence and Hyde Park.
The farthing coin - used in Britain for the last 7 centuries - ceases to be legal tender.
Art and science
Rudolf Nureyev defects from the USSR fearing that the KGB would arrest him for being gay and for fraternising with foreigners. After seeking asylum in Paris he set up home in London at the Royal Ballet and began his famous partnership with Margot Fonteyn.The satirical magazine, Private Eye is first published.
International
The East German government erects the Berlin Wall, ceasing free movement between East and West Berlin. The barrier prevented citizens of Soviet controlled East Germany from crossing the border into West Germany to work, or to defect.Yuri Gagarin, the soviet cosmonaut, becomes the first man in space orbiting the earth on the 12th April.
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