Gertrude Lawrence; Simon Elwes
1 portrait of Gertrude Lawrence
© Getty Images
Gertrude Lawrence; Simon Elwes
by Fox Photos Ltd
bromide press print, 9 August 1949
7 1/2 in. x 9 1/2 in. (190 mm x 242 mm) image size
Transferred from Evening Standard Library, before 1983
Photographs Collection
NPG x184004
Sittersback to top
- Simon Elwes (1902-1975), Artist. Sitter in 38 portraits, Artist or producer of 1 portrait.
- Gertrude Lawrence (Gertrude Alice Klasen) (1898-1952), Actress, singer and dancer. Sitter associated with 101 portraits.
Placesback to top
- Place made and portrayed: United Kingdom: England, London (sitter's studio, St John's Wood, London)
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1949back to top
Current affairs
Following the Republic of Ireland Act in 1948, the Irish Free State becomes the Republic of Ireland and leaves the Commonwealth. The functions previously given to the King were handed to the President of Ireland.The Second Parliament Act diminishes the power of the House of Lords, reducing their authority to delay bills from two years to one.
Art and science
George Orwell publishes his dystopian novel, 1984. The book imagines a future where totalitarian governments rule; their power based on continual war abroad, and overwhelming propaganda and surveillance at home. With 'Big Brother' keeping a constant check on the citizens' actions and thoughts, the individual loses the faculties of free will and independent thought.International
The People's Republic of China is created after the Communist Party wins the Civil War. China became a communist country under Mao Zedong.Cold War tensions increase as Germany is split into the democratic Federal Republic of Germany in the west (a union of the post-war British, French and American sectors), and the communist German Democratic Republic, in the east.
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