Queen Elizabeth II
15 of 15 portraits by International News Photos
© reserved; collection National Portrait Gallery, London
Queen Elizabeth II
by Les Appleton, for International News Photos
vintage print, 31 May 1956
7 3/8 in. x 9 1/8 in. (187 mm x 232 mm) overall
Photographs Collection
NPG x136393
Sitterback to top
- Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022), Reigned 1952-2022. Sitter associated with 972 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- Les Appleton, Photographer. Artist or producer associated with 1 portrait.
- International News Photos, Photographer. Artist or producer associated with 15 portraits.
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1956back to top
Current affairs
The first supermarket opens in Britain. Inspired by the new innovation in America, Jack Cohen opened his first Tesco supermarket in Essex.The First Clean Air Act is passed in response to the 'Pea Soup' smog over London.
Art and science
Pop Art is seen for the first time in the This is Tomorrow exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery. The exhibition included Richard Hamilton's iconic collage: What is it that makes today's homes so different, so appealing?John Osborne's play Look Back in Anger opens at the Royal Court Theatre, introducing the phrase 'Angry young man' to describe the new movement of gritty, post-war realism in literature.
International
The Suez Crisis rocked Eden's premiership and marked the decline of British world power and influence in favour of America. In 1956 President Nasser of Egypt nationalised the Suez canal. Although Britain and France, who had owned the canal since the 19th century, invaded Egypt, they were soon persuaded to withdraw by US President Eisenhower who disapproved of the occupation.Comments back to top
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