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Somerset Maugham

13 of 115 portraits of Somerset Maugham

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Somerset Maugham

by Graham Sutherland
sketchbook, 104 pages, 1949
8 1/2 in. x 5 1/2 in. (216 mm x 140 mm)
Given by the artist's widow, Mrs Graham Sutherland, 1980
Primary Collection
NPG 5326

Sitterback to top

Artistback to top

  • Graham Vivian Sutherland (1903-1980), Painter. Artist or producer associated with 23 portraits, Sitter in 62 portraits.

Events of 1949back to top

Current affairs

Following the Republic of Ireland Act in 1948, the Irish Free State becomes the Republic of Ireland and leaves the Commonwealth. The functions previously given to the King were handed to the President of Ireland.
The Second Parliament Act diminishes the power of the House of Lords, reducing their authority to delay bills from two years to one.

Art and science

George Orwell publishes his dystopian novel, 1984. The book imagines a future where totalitarian governments rule; their power based on continual war abroad, and overwhelming propaganda and surveillance at home. With 'Big Brother' keeping a constant check on the citizens' actions and thoughts, the individual loses the faculties of free will and independent thought.

International

The People's Republic of China is created after the Communist Party wins the Civil War. China became a communist country under Mao Zedong.
Cold War tensions increase as Germany is split into the democratic Federal Republic of Germany in the west (a union of the post-war British, French and American sectors), and the communist German Democratic Republic, in the east.

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Gillian Darley

31 August 2015, 15:29

I have just been sent a copy of a letter from my mother who had known the Sutherlands in Kent, describing her re-meeting Kathleen after some years and the description of how she sat for the portrait, dressed as SM and in cafes too. I think it ought to be on file the NPG but I would love to see the sketchbook so maybe we can arrange a quid pro quo?!