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 Alec Miller
wooden bust, circa 1924
NPG 4816
by Bassano Ltd
bromide print, 1 October 1915
NPG x183672
by Elliott & Fry
gelatin silver print, circa 1920
NPG x196006
by Walter Benington, for Elliott & Fry
chlorobromide print, 1931-1932
NPG x91246
by Howard Coster
bromide print, 1937
NPG Ax136082
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
Tell us more back to top
Can you tell us more about this person? Spotted an error, information that is missing (a sitter’s life dates, occupation or family relationships, or a date of portrait for example) or do you know anything that we don't know? If you have information to share please complete the form below.
If you require information from us, please use our Archive enquiry service. You can buy a print of most illustrated portraits. Select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Buy a Print button. Prices start at £6 for unframed prints, £25 for framed prints. If you wish to license an image, please use our Rights and Images service.
Please note that we cannot provide valuations.
We digitise over 8,000 portraits a year and we cannot guarantee being able to digitise images that are not already scheduled.
Get Creative
Develop your art skills
Discover our BP Next Generation short films made by artists. Follow step by step guides in drawing and painting techniques.
Hold Still photography workshop
Reflect on your own experiences of lockdown through this easy-to-do from home, photographic exercise.
Draw Like a Renaissance Master
Revisit The Encounter exhibition and learn about Renaissance and Baroque drawing methods and materials.