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Richard Addinsell

(1904-1977), Composer

Sitter in 5 portraits
The prolific and inventive composer and pianist Richard Addinsell provided scores for memorable British and American films from the 1930s to the early 1960s, including Fire over England (1937), Goodbye Mr Chips (1939), Gaslight (1940), Blithe Spirit (1945) and The Prince and the Showgirl (1957). His 'Warsaw' concerto, composed for the film Dangerous Moonlight (1940), was a sensational international success. Addinsell began his professional career as a theatre composer, providing songs for West End revues in the 1920s before scoring plays in the 1930s. He also wrote music for BBC productions and worked as composer and accompanist for the actress and comedian Joyce Grenfell from 1942 to 1965.

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Richard Addinsell

by Clemence Dane
bronze bust, circa 1935
NPG 6993

Richard Addinsell

by John Stanton Ward
pen and ink and watercolour on paper laid on board, 1960
NPG 6391

David Lean; Richard Addinsell

by Unknown photographer
bromide press print, circa 1949
NPG x184153

Richard Addinsell

by Anthony Buckley
modern bromide print from original negative, 1949
NPG x75972

Richard Addinsell

by Lida Moser
film negative, 1953
NPG x45305

Related People

Victor Frank Stiebel (partner)

Groups

Place

London

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Richard Addinsell