Sir Desmond MacCarthy

by Duncan Grant
oil on canvas, circa 1942
10 in. x 8 in. (254 mm x 203 mm)
Bequeathed by Ava (née Bodley), Viscountess Waverley, 1975
Primary Collection
NPG 5024

Sitterback to top

Sir Desmond MacCarthy (1877-1952), Writer and critic. Sitter in 23 portraits.

Artistback to top

Duncan Grant (1885-1978), Artist. Artist of 9 portraits, Sitter associated with 30 portraits.

Linked publicationsback to top

Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 398
Spalding, Frances, Insights: The Bloomsbury Group, 2005, p. 26

Subjects & Themesback to top

Oil
Painting

Events of 1942back to top

Current affairs

The Oxford Committee for Famine Relief is founded in Oxford with the aim of sending food through the Allied blockade of Nazi-Occupied Greece. The organisation continued after the war to relieve suffering as a result of the war in Europe, and eventually to help distressed peoples internationally. It gradually became known as Oxfam, after its telegraph address, and is now one of the largest international development and aid agencies.

Art and science

Desert Island Discs is broadcast for the first time. Each week a famous guest is invited to select which eight pieces of music they would choose to take if they were castaway on an island. The show is still going and is the longest running music programme on radio.
Enid Blyton publishes her first Famous Five children's book: Five On A Treasure Island.

International

The Allied forces sign the 'Declaration by United Nations', pledging the signatories to fight together until the end of the war and establishing an international organisation with the aim of upholding world peace and security with Sir Gladwyn Jebb as the first Secretary General.
In Berlin, senior Nazis plan the 'Final Solution' to exterminate European Jews, and start building death camps to carry it out.

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