Paul Gell

by Howard Coster
bromide print, 1955
9 1/2in. x 7in. (240 mm x 188 mm)
Given by the estate of Howard Coster, 1959
Photographs Collection
NPG x2384

Sitterback to top

Frederick Paul Gell (1918-1996), Artist. Sitter in 2 portraits.

Artistback to top

Howard Coster (1885-1959), Photographer. Artist associated with 9350 portraits, Sitter in 5 portraits.

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1955back to top

Current affairs

Robert Anthony Eden becomes prime minister. In May 1955 Winston Churchill resigned due to ill health. His successor proved to be a similarly popular leader, winning an increased majority at the general election that year. Eden's popularity was due to a combination of his long wartime service, good looks and charm.

Art and science

Mary Quant introduces the 'Chelsea Look' with her Bazaar boutique. In the 1960s Quant was a major contributor to 'swinging London' introducing some of the seminal items of 1960s fashion: the miniskirt, hot pants, paint-box make-up and plastic raincoats.

International

West Germany joins NATO, prompting the East European Communist counties to respond by forming the Warsaw Pact. The signatories of the Warsaw Pact pledged to defend each other if any member was attacked. This development was a major event in the Cold War as it firmly established the East and West as opposing military powers.

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