Somerset Maugham
© Solo Syndication Ltd
Somerset Maugham
by Sir David Low
pencil, 1933 or before
10 in. x 8 1/4 in. (254 mm x 210 mm)
Purchased, 1967
Primary Collection
NPG 4529(236)
Sitterback to top
- William ('W.') Somerset Maugham (1874-1965), Novelist, playwright and spy. Sitter associated with 115 portraits.
Artistback to top
- Sir David Low (1891-1963), Cartoonist. Artist or producer associated with 495 portraits, Sitter in 27 portraits.
Events of 1933back to top
Current affairs
Sir Norman Angell is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Angell was recognised for his book, Europe's Optical Illusion (or The Great Illusion) first published in 1910 and updated in 1933, which argued that war between modern powers was futile as neither the looser or victor would gain economically from it.Art and science
British Art embraces abstraction with the establishment of 'Unit 1', the first group of British Artists dedicated to producing abstract art. The critic Herbert Read formed the group by bringing together the artists Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, Paul Nash and the architect, Wells Coates.The Duveen Wing extension at the National Portrait Gallery is opened by King George V.
International
The Nazi party comes to power in Germany as part of a coalition government with Hitler as Chancellor. Over the next year, the party consolidated its position through the Enabling Act (allowing them to pass legislation without the support of the coalition), by banning and purging opposition, and by making Hitler Führer in 1934: granting him the combined powers of Chancellor and President.Comments back to top
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