Doris Lessing
30 of 277 portraits by Mark Gerson
© Mark Gerson / National Portrait Gallery, London
Doris Lessing
by Mark Gerson
modern bromide print, April 1956
11 1/4 in. x 14 3/4 in. (285 mm x 375 mm)
Given by Mark Gerson, 1996
Photographs Collection
NPG x88216
Artistback to top
- Mark Gerson (1921-), Photographer. Artist or producer associated with 277 portraits, Sitter in 2 portraits.
Placesback to top
- Place made and portrayed: United Kingdom: England, London (sitter's flat, Earl's Court, London)
Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top
- Women Writers (9 December 2006 - 17 June 2007)
- Literati Photographs by Mark Gerson (2 August 1996 - 13 October 1996)
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1956back to top
Current affairs
The first supermarket opens in Britain. Inspired by the new innovation in America, Jack Cohen opened his first Tesco supermarket in Essex.The First Clean Air Act is passed in response to the 'Pea Soup' smog over London.
Art and science
Pop Art is seen for the first time in the This is Tomorrow exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery. The exhibition included Richard Hamilton's iconic collage: What is it that makes today's homes so different, so appealing?John Osborne's play Look Back in Anger opens at the Royal Court Theatre, introducing the phrase 'Angry young man' to describe the new movement of gritty, post-war realism in literature.
International
The Suez Crisis rocked Eden's premiership and marked the decline of British world power and influence in favour of America. In 1956 President Nasser of Egypt nationalised the Suez canal. Although Britain and France, who had owned the canal since the 19th century, invaded Egypt, they were soon persuaded to withdraw by US President Eisenhower who disapproved of the occupation.Comments back to top
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