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Sir Thomas Beecham, 2nd Bt

(1879-1961), Conductor

Sitter in 24 portraits
Beecham was one of Britain's most influential conductors. Grandson of the patentee of the medical remedy Beecham's Pills, his conducting debut was in 1902 at the Shakespeare Theatre, Clapham. After founding the Beecham Symphony Orchestra in 1909, performances with Diaghilev's Ballets Russes followed in 1911-12. During the 1920s, he was principally associated with the London Symphony Orchestra, and in the 1930s was artistic director of the opera seasons at Covent Garden. He founded the London Philharmonic Orchestra in 1932, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 1946. In the 1950s Beecham undertook extensive international tours. His final performance was at Portsmouth Guildhall in May 1960.

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Sir Thomas Beecham, 2nd Bt, by Peter Keen - NPG x125335

Sir Thomas Beecham, 2nd Bt

by Peter Keen
vintage bromide print, 1958
NPG x125335

Sir Thomas Beecham, 2nd Bt, by Douglas Glass - NPG x134993

Sir Thomas Beecham, 2nd Bt

by Douglas Glass
vintage bromide print, 8 November 1959
NPG x134993

Sir Thomas Beecham, 2nd Bt, by Mark Wayner (Weiner) - NPG D23316

Sir Thomas Beecham, 2nd Bt

by Mark Wayner (Weiner)
lithograph, published 1931
NPG D23316

Sir Thomas Beecham, 2nd Bt, by Milein Cosman - NPG D31568

Sir Thomas Beecham, 2nd Bt

by Milein Cosman
etching, late 1950s
NPG D31568

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