John Armstrong
(1893-1973), Painter and soldierSitter in 4 portraits
John Armstrong was a painter of imaginative subjects, a designer of film and stage sets, a mural painter and a book illustrator. He briefly studied twice at St John's Wood School of Art, before and after serving in the First World War. He was selected as a member of the influential Unit One exhibition in 1933, and his work subsequently became more surrealist in character. His theatrical décor includes designs for Macbeth and Measure for Measure (Old Vic); Magic Flute (Sadler's Wells Opera Company) and films produced by Sir Alexander Korda including Henry VIII and The Scarlet Pimpernel. Armstrong was an official war artist from 1940 until 1945.
by Harry Jonas
oil on canvas, circa 1922
NPG 5696
Diners at Denham Studios Restaurant
by Anthony Wysard
watercolour and pencil, published 1937
NPG D312
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.
Support
Make a donation
Support our Make History appeal and help us transform the Gallery.
Online shop
A unique range of books, accessories and gifts. Every purchase supports the Gallery’s work.
Bring a familiar face home
Refresh your home gallery with a huge selection of custom art prints .