Violet Trefusis (née Keppel)

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Violet Trefusis (née Keppel)

by Jacques-Emile Blanche
oil on canvas, 1926
45 5/8 in. x 35 in. (1160 mm x 890 mm)
Bequeathed by Philippe Jullian, 1978
Primary Collection
NPG 5229

Sitterback to top

Artistback to top

  • Jacques-Emile Blanche (1861-1942), Painter and writer. Artist or producer associated with 8 portraits, Sitter in 3 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This portrait was painted in Paris by the society painter, Jacques-Emile Blanche, around the time that Trefusis began her career as a writer in the mid-1920s. The artist asked her why she preferred Paris to London, to which she answered 'because here one is freer to say and do what one pleases, without conventional constrictions.'

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Events of 1926back to top

Current affairs

In response to wage cuts and increased working hours for coal miners recommended by the Samuel Commission, the Trade Union Council calls a General Strike of workers in the key industries. Although over 1.5 million workers took part, the TUC finally gave in after nine days and called off the strike. The Trade Disputes and Trade Union Act of 1927 made it harder for workers to strike.

Art and science

A.A. Milne publishes Winnie-the-Pooh. The series of popular children's books featured the character Christopher Robin (named after Milne's son) and a cast of animals based on his stuffed-toys including Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Rabbit, Tigger, Kanga and Roo.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is published. This was Agatha Christie's third 'whodunit' novel featuring Hercule Poirot, the Belgian Detective.

International

The League of Nations accepts Germany as the sixth permanent member on the council deeming it a 'peace-loving country'. This confidence, however, was short lived with Germany leaving the League with the accession of Adolf Hitler to power in 1933.

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