(Amy) Gwen Mond (née Wilson), Lady Melchett with her bust by Sir Jacob Epstein

by Ida Kar
cream-toned bromide print, 1953
7 1/2 in. x 9 1/2 in. (191 mm x 240 mm) overall
Purchased, 1999
Photographs Collection
NPG x129569

Sitterback to top

(Amy) Gwen Mond (née Wilson), Lady Melchett (died 1982), Wife of 2nd Baron Melchett. Sitter in 3 portraits.

Artistback to top

Ida Kar (1908-1974), Photographer. Artist or producer associated with 1567 portraits, Sitter in 137 portraits.

Placesback to top

Place made: United Kingdom: England, Leicestershire (Probably Leicester Galleries)

Portrait setback to top

Photographs by Ida Kar, 1940s-1950s

Subject/Themeback to top

Art in art

Events of 1953back to top

Current affairs

A combination of low pressure in the North Sea, hurricane force winds, and high tides result in the Great Flood of 1953. With no warning system many were trapped in their homes as 20-foot waves crashed on the coast; hundreds were killed at sea and on the east coast.
John Hunt's British Expedition conquers Everest. News of the achievement reached Britain on the day of Elizabeth's coronation.

Art and science

Frances Crick and James Watson discover the double helix structure of DNA. Uncovering DNA's chemical make-up revolutionised our understanding of the building blocks of life.
Ian Fleming publishes his first James Bond novel, Casino Royal.
Chad Varah founds 'The Samaritans' helpline.

International

Joseph Stalin dies four days after suffering a stroke. It has been suggested that Stalin was assassinated, as he was denied medical assistance for over a day after he was found; many suspect that he was poisoned. On his death Georgy Malenkov became leader of the Soviet Union.

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