Somerset Maugham
(1874-1965), Novelist, playwright and spyWilliam ('W.') Somerset Maugham
Sitter associated with 115 portraits
Somerset Maugham was one of the most popular and commercially successful authors of the twentieth century. He qualified as a doctor in 1897, but pursued his passion for writing following the publication of his first novel, Liza of Lambeth, in the same year. His play Lady Frederick (1907) was his first theatrical success, and his largely autobiographical novel Of Human Bondage (1915) became a best seller. It was followed by other highly praised works The Moon and Sixpence (1919), Cakes and Ale (1930) and The Razor's Edge (1945). He wrote more than thirty plays, including Home and Beauty (1919) and The Letter (1927).
by Slim Aarons (George Allen Aarons), for Camera Press: London: UK
bromide press print, 1964
NPG x184025
by Associated Press
bromide press print, 25 January 1965
NPG x184022
by Associated Press
bromide press print, 25 January 1965
NPG x184023
by Tom Blau, for Camera Press: London: UK
bromide press print, 25 January 1965
NPG x184024
Somerset Maugham; William Holt
by United Press International
bromide press print, 1965
NPG x194348
after Unknown artist
colour offset lithographic cigarette card, 1937
NPG D42408
Comments back to top
We are currently unable to accept new comments, but any past comments are available to read below.
If you need information from us, please use our Archive enquiry service . Please note that we cannot provide valuations. You can buy a print or greeting card of most illustrated portraits. Select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Buy a Print button. Prices start at around £6 for unframed prints, £16 for framed prints. If you wish to license an image, select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Use this image button, or contact our Rights and Images service. We digitise over 8,000 portraits a year and we cannot guarantee being able to digitise images that are not already scheduled.