Sir Alec Guinness
27 of 29 portraits of Sir Alec Guinness
© Derek Allen / National Portrait Gallery, London
Sir Alec Guinness
by Derek Allen
blue-toned bromide print, 1960
10 3/8 in. x 9 5/8 in. (265 mm x 245 mm)
Purchased, 1994
Photographs Collection
NPG x45667
Artistback to top
- Derek Allen (1925-2016), Photographer. Artist or producer associated with 55 portraits.
This portraitback to top
Guinness created the title role of Ross in Terence Rattigan's 1960 play about Lawrence of Arabia. He is seen here in his dressing room at the Haymarket Theatre. The production was well received in both London and New York and Guinness won the Evening Standard Award (1961) for his performance. Two years later he played Prince Feisal in David Lean's film, Lawrence of Arabia.
Placesback to top
- Place made and portrayed: United Kingdom: England, London (sitter's dressing room, Haymarket Theatre, London)
Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top
- Centenaries and Centenarians (5 February 2000 - 11 August 2000)
Events of 1960back to top
Current affairs
Prince Andrew is born, the third child of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip.The Contraceptive Pill is introduced in England, dramatically changing the nation's approach to sex and relationships, and significantly contributing to the 1960s culture of liberation.
Art and science
Penguin books defend D.H. Lawrence's Lady Chatterley's Lover against charges of obscenity by demonstrating that the novel was of literary merit. The 'not guilty' verdict was seen as a victory for free speech and marked the beginning if a new era of liberalism.The satirical revue Beyond the Fringe launches the careers of Alan Bennett, Peter Cook, Dudley Moore and Jonathan Miller.
International
Harold Macmillan delivers his 'wind of change' speech to the South African Parliament in Cape Town, announcing Britain's decision to grant independence to many of her colonies. The speech recognised the emergence of African nationalism, and criticised the policy of Apartheid in South Africa.Comments back to top
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