Robert Colquhoun

by Robert Colquhoun
pencil, 1940
13 3/4 in. x 9 3/4 in. (349 mm x 248 mm)
Purchased, 1972
Primary Collection
NPG 4872

Sitterback to top

Robert Colquhoun (1914-1962), Painter. Sitter in 3 portraits, Artist or producer of 2 portraits.

Artistback to top

Robert Colquhoun (1914-1962), Painter. Artist or producer of 2 portraits, Sitter in 3 portraits.

Linked publicationsback to top

Rideal, Liz, Insights: Self-portraits, 2005, p. 92 Read entry
Oliver, a Huguenot refugee from Rouen, arrived in Britain in 1568. Made twenty-two years later, his self-portrait is elegant and has an unforced realism, which contrasts tellingly with the decorative sparkle of the work of his illustrious British predecessor Nicholas Hilliard. Thanks to Oliver’s predilection for rendering form and character succinctly, in c.1592 he painted the only portrait in existence of Elizabeth I in which she looks her age.
Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 138

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1940back to top

Current affairs

Following the German invasion of the Netherlands, Belgium and France, Neville Chamberlain resigns and Churchill is appointed Prime Minister making the famous speech: 'I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat.'
The Battle of Britain ends the Phoney War with Germany's attack on the nation from the air. Britain's cities, airbases and ports are bombed during the Blitz.

Art and science

With little access to sculpture materials, and a bombed out studio Henry Moore starts experimenting with drawings of war subjects. After taking shelter in a London Underground station during an air raid Moore was inspired to begin a series of Shelter Drawings. With a commission from the War Artists Advisory Committee, headed by Kenneth Clark, these became some of the most popular example of official war art.

International

Britain's attempt to defend France against German invasion by landing troops on the French coast ends in failure; France surrenders and Britain is left to face the Axis Powers alone. While the Dunkirk Landings were a failure, the heroic rescue of troops by a fleet of English civilian boats was a victory for morale, and the 'Dunkirk Spirit' came to stand as an emblem of British triumph in adversity.

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