John Cornford; Rachel ('Ray') Peters

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© Peter Lofts Photography / National Portrait Gallery, London

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John Cornford; Rachel ('Ray') Peters

by Ramsey & Muspratt
bromide print, 1934
11 in. x 13 1/2 in. (280 mm x 341 mm)
Given by Jane Burch, 1988
Primary Collection
NPG P363(7)

Sittersback to top

Artistback to top

  • Ramsey & Muspratt (1932-1978), Photographers. Artist or producer associated with 60 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Lettice Ramsey, who had met the couple at a party was taken by the pair's exotic good looks and convinced them to pose for this double portrait. Entitled 'The Islanders', it was exhibited shortly after.

Linked publicationsback to top

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

Portrait setback to top

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1934back to top

Current affairs

Sir Stafford Cripps represents the miners of Gresford Colliery in Wrexham at an inquiry into the recent gas explosion and fire which killed 263 miners, and three rescue workers in one of the worst mining disasters in British history.

Art and science

Percy Shaw invents 'Cat's eyes'. The development of road reflectors increased safety on the roads at night and proved to be particularly useful during the wartime blackout. They are still used today.
Dylan Thomas published his first volume of poetry, 18 Poems.

International

Stalin and Hitler consolidate dictatorial power by 'purging' their opponents. In the Soviet Union, members of the Communist Party and particular sectors of society such as the intelligentsia were targeted in the 'Great Purge', while in Germany Hitler murdered hundreds of potential opponents in the SA during the 'Night of the Long Knives'.
Thousands in the USA are forced to flee their homes to escape the Dust Bowl storms.

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Robert Fox

17 September 2016, 15:55

Adam, Ray (Rachel Peters) was my great auntie. Peters was her maiden name. Jon and Ray were lovers. My understanding is that Jon was killed in Spain leaving Ray expecting a child (James). This was a difficult situation for Ray as she did not have a wealthy family. James was subsequently raised by the Cornford family. Ray was always in touch and the first time I met James was at the Slade family home in Chalk Hill London. Slade being Ray's married name. James' family is in Norfolk. http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2011/oct/05/james-cornford-obituary

Adam Cornford

07 May 2016, 22:46

I am John Cornford's nephew, and in my family photo collection there is a partial print of "The Islanders" with Ray cut out of the image so that it shows only John. Can you tell me whether there exists a complete negative of this photo, and if so who has it?

Also, is Peters Ray's maiden name, or her subsequent married name?

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