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Sir Peter Maxwell Davies; Sir Harrison Birtwistle

2 of 7 portraits of Sir Harrison Birtwistle

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© David Hockney 1970

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Sir Peter Maxwell Davies; Sir Harrison Birtwistle

by David Hockney
pen and ink on paper, 1970
13 7/8 in. x 17 in. (354 mm x 431 mm) overall
Purchased, 1999
Primary Collection
NPG 6515

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  • David Hockney (1937-), Artist. Artist or producer associated with 15 portraits, Sitter in 49 portraits.

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The composers Peter Maxwell Davies and Harrison Birtwistle shared a working-class, Lancashire background and a desire to radically modernise British music. They became friends while studying at the Royal Manchester College of Music and, together with Alexander Goehr and John Ogdon became known as 'The Manchester School'. In 1967 they collaborated to form the Pierrot Players (later the Fires of London), a chamber ensemble for which both wrote extensively. Hockney drew them at Maxwell Davies’s flat in Fitzroy Square, London, shortly before a disagreement that led to Birtwistle leaving the ensemble.

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Current affairs

Edward 'Ted' Heath wins a surprise victory for the Conservative party at the general election, becoming Prime Minister. Opinion polls had predicted a comfortable Labour victory, but with a failing economy, the Tories snatched a narrow last minute majority.

Art and science

Germaine Greer publishes The Female Eunuch, an influential feminist text arguing that women's sexuality and capacity for action are repressed by the family and their roles in society. Greer suggested that women should get to know their bodies and become empowered by their sexuality. The book was an international best seller.

International

Four aircraft are hijacked by Palestinian terrorists. The planes were landed in Cairo, Jordan and London and the hijackers demanded the release of Political Prisoners in exchange for the hostages. Several prisoners were returned and three of the planes were blown up after most of the hostages were release.
Four students are shot dead by national guardsmen during a protest against the Vietnam War in America.

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