Alan Bennett

1 portrait

© The Douglas Brothers

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Alan Bennett

by The Douglas Brothers
platinum print, August 1990
14 3/8 in. x 11 3/8 in. (365 mm x 290 mm) image size
Given by The Douglas Brothers, 2015
Primary Collection
NPG P1999

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Photographed in his Camden Town home against a bare and mottled wall, this unusual portrait of actor, writer and director Alan Bennett formed part of a larger photo story for the New York Times magazine. Although his features are completely effaced by shadow and blur, Bennett’s profile remains recognisable. The Douglas Brothers recalled, ‘We were pushing blur to see how far you could go, to see how little information the brain needs to make a picture’.

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Current affairs

Margaret Thatcher introduces a Poll Tax. 'The Community Charge' replaced the old 'Rates' system of local taxation based on the value of property in favour of a flat rate for all householders. With little difference between the tax burden of the poor and the wealthy, opposition was bitter and violent. Following a challenge to her leadership Thatcher stood down as Prime Minister and was replaced by John Major.

Art and science

Tim Berners-Lee invents the World Wide Web. He created the first web-browser and editor, and the first web-server in 1990, building the first website and putting it online in 1991. By making his ideas royalty-free, Berners-Lee made the Internet accessible to all and allowed all users to help build its content.
British beef is banned from schools and hospitals over concerns about BSE ('mad cow disease').

International

The Gulf War breaks out between Iraq and US-led coalition forces. War was declared after Iraq invaded Kuwait, and, following a period of UN economic sanctions against Iraq, hostilities commenced in January 1991. The coalition victory was swift and within three months Iraqi forces withdrew from Kuwait.
Nelson Mandela is released from Prison after 27 years captivity.

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