Ramsay MacDonald
12 of 18 portraits by Sir John Lavery
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Ramsay MacDonald
by Sir John Lavery
oil on canvas, 1931
37 1/2 in. x 27 1/2 in. (953 mm x 699 mm)
Given by Sir John Lavery, 1938
Primary Collection
NPG 2959
Sitterback to top
- (James) Ramsay MacDonald (1866-1937), Prime Minister. Sitter associated with 72 portraits.
Artistback to top
- Sir John Lavery (1856-1941), Painter. Artist or producer associated with 18 portraits, Sitter in 19 portraits.
Linked publicationsback to top
- Smartify image discovery app
- Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 400
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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