Laurence Housman
(1865-1959), Writer and artistSitter in 35 portraits
Born in Worcestershire Laurence was the younger brother of the poet A. E. Housman. His first career was as a book illustrator working in an Art Nouveau style. He achieved success with his novel An Englishwoman's Love-letters (1900), before writing dramas such as Little Plays of St Francis (1922), Angels and Ministers (1921) and Victoria Regina (1937). Housman, circumvented theatrical censorship (owing to the representation of certain biblical characters and living Royals) by having his plays, considered scandalous at the time, produced privately until the censorship was relaxed. He was a committed socialist and pacifist and co-founded the Men's League for Women's Suffrage in 1907.
by Walter Benington
vintage chlorobromide print, 1920s
NPG P973
by Elliott & Fry
gelatin silver print, circa 1920
NPG x196006
by Walter Benington, for Elliott & Fry
chlorobromide print, 1931-1932
NPG x91246
by William Rothenstein
lithograph, published 1899 (1898)
NPG D32978
by William Rothenstein
lithograph, published 1899 (1898)
NPG D36005
by Walter Benington, for Elliott & Fry
half-plate glass copy negative, 1942 (1931-1932)
NPG x82058
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