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Sir David Attenborough

(1926-), Naturalist and broadcaster; brother of Baron Attenborough

Sitter in 8 portraits
Attenborough's distinguished broadcasting career, which spans over fifty years, began in 1952 when he joined the BBC Television Talks department. He launched his first Natural History programme Zoo Quest in 1954, and in 1957 formed the BBC's Travel and Exploration unit. In 1965, as Controller of the BBC, Attenborough was responsible for the introduction of colour television into Britain. He is celebrated for writing and presenting the 'Life' series comprising Life on Earth (1979), The Living Planet (1984) and The Trials of Life (1990). Attenborough's numerous specialised surveys include Life in the Freezer (1993) and Life in Cold Blood (2008).

Watch a film clip on the sitter from the BBC Archive in the Media section below

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Sir David Attenborough

by Ivy Smith
pencil, 1987
NPG 6100

Sir David Attenborough; Richard Attenborough

by Ivy Smith
oil on canvas, 1989
NPG 6073

Sir David Attenborough

by Richard Boll
digital black and white fibre print, 7 February 2007
NPG P1296

Sir David Attenborough

by Unknown photographer
bromide print, 1960s
NPG x341

Sir David Attenborough

by Godfrey Argent
bromide print, 18 March 1969
NPG x163780

Sir David Attenborough; Queen Elizabeth II

by Joan Williams
C-type colour print, 1986
NPG x200326

Sir David Attenborough

by Julian Anderson
bromide fibre print, 1995
NPG x87804

Sir David Attenborough

by Sam Barker
inkjet print, 2015
NPG x199654

Related People

Richard Samuel Attenborough, Baron Attenborough (brother)

Groups

Place

London

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Sir David Attenborough