Jan Struther (Joyce Anstruther, later Placzek)
(1901-1953), Journalist, writer and creator of 'Mrs Miniver'Sitter in 1 portrait
Struther created of the popular fictional character 'Mrs Miniver', an 'ordinary' British wife and mother, who first appeared in a column in The Times in 1937. The columns became a best-selling book in Britain and America, and an Oscar-winning film (1942), credited with influencing America's decision to join World War Two. During this time, Struther was a broadcaster and made lengthy lecture tours of America in aid of British War Relief. Struther's other works include two collections of essays, and she was the first woman to sit on the editorial board of The Times.
Jan Struther (Joyce Anstruther, later Placzek)
by Fritz Reichl
pencil, 1947
NPG 6665
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