Jacob Epstein

© University of Dundee The Peto Collection

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Jacob Epstein

by Michael Peto
modern bromide print from original negative, 1951
14 5/8 in. x 14 in. (372 mm x 355 mm) image size
Given by University of Dundee - Michael Peto Collection, 2013
Photographs Collection
NPG x137297

Sitterback to top

  • Sir Jacob Epstein (1880-1959), Sculptor. Sitter in 71 portraits, Artist or producer of 15 portraits.

Artistback to top

  • Michael Peto (1908-1970), Photojournalist. Artist or producer of 22 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.

This portraitback to top

In this striking photograph, Epstein sits next to his bust of the writer Somerset Maugham. Epstein's progress on this portrait was also recorded by the photographers Erich Auerbach and Ida Kar, a level of interest that reflected his growing reputation as the leading sculptor in Britain.

Placesback to top

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1951back to top

Current affairs

The Conservative Party wins the general election and Winston Churchill returns for a second term as prime minister.

Art and science

On the centenary of the Great Exhibition of 1851, the Festival of Britain is held as a nationwide celebration of British culture, and as an impetus for post-war regeneration. As well as various art, science and industrial exhibitions and events, a major regeneration project was initiated for the South Bank area of London under the directorship of the architect, Hugh Casson.

International

Libya declares its sovereignty from Italian rule, becoming the first independent state to be created by the UN.
At the Treaty of San Francisco, 48 nations sign a peace treaty with Japan, officially ending the Pacific War - the last battleground of the Second World War.

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