Alastair Sim

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Alastair Sim

by Unknown photographer
bromide print, mid 1950s
8 7/8 in. x 6 7/8 in. (226 mm x 175 mm)
Given by IPC Newspapers Limited, 1971
Photographs Collection
NPG x88327

Sitterback to top

  • Alastair Sim (1900-1976), Actor and producer. Sitter associated with 20 portraits.

Artistback to top

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

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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