William Plomer
(1903-1973), Poet and novelistSitter in 17 portraits
South African born Plomer gained international acclaim with his first novel Turbott Wolfe (1926), which dealt with inter-racial love and marriage. He co-edited the literary periodical Voorslag! with Campbell and van der Post before leaving for Japan, later settling in England in 1929. Through his friendship with his publishers, Leonard and Virginia Woolf he moved to the heart of the English literary establishment, and was invited to lecture at the Aldeburgh Festival through his friendship with E.M. Forster. After the publication of The Invaders (1934) he produced little fiction but continued to publish short stories, essays, collections of poetry and literary reviews. In 1954 he collaborated with Britten as librettist for the opera Gloriana.
by Edward Wolfe
oil on canvas, 1929
NPG 5172
by Howard Coster
bromide print, circa 1932
NPG Ax3505
by Humphrey Spender
bromide print, 1933
NPG x14266
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