Charlie Chester
(1914-1997), Comedian and singerCecil Victor ('Charlie') Chester
Sitter associated with 11 portraits
'Cheerful Charlie' Chester was born Cecil Victor Manser, the son an Eastbourne cinema sign-painter and and a mother who sang. Starting at age 7 he won over 82 talent competitions before turning professional whilst still a teenager. His sixty year career was spent primarily as a radio star ranging from his war time success in Stand Easy followed by shows such as Keep Smiling, Come to Charlie (a sitcom) and A Proper Charlie making him a major 1950s top radio and variety name. In 1969 started his long-running radio programme Sunday Soapbox reflected his concern for less fortunate members of society.
by Count Zichy, for Baron Studios
half-plate film negative, 1954
NPG x125736
by (Edward) Russell Westwood
bromide print, 1960s
NPG x35262
by (Edward) Russell Westwood
bromide print, 1960s
NPG x35263
by (Edward) Russell Westwood
bromide print, 1960s
NPG x35264
by (Edward) Russell Westwood
bromide print, 1960s
NPG x35265
Charlie Chester; Dorita Chester (née Langley)
by (Edward) Russell Westwood
bromide print, 1960s
NPG x35266
by Count Zichy, for Baron Studios
2 1/4 inch square film negative, 1954
NPG x125740
by Count Zichy, for Baron Studios
2 1/4 inch square film negative, 1954
NPG x125737
by Count Zichy, for Baron Studios
2 1/4 inch square film negative, 1954
NPG x125738
by Count Zichy, for Baron Studios
2 1/4 inch square film negative, 1954
NPG x125739
by Count Zichy, for Baron Studios
2 1/4 inch square film negative, 1954
NPG x125741
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Mr D Scott
18 July 2020, 23:34
Did you know that Charlie Chester was also an amateur artist? In fact I have one of his paintings, it was bought by my Mum who actually wrote to Charlie Chester to secure provenance.