Augustus John; Talitha Dina Pol

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Augustus John; Talitha Dina Pol

by United Press International
bromide press print, 1961
8 3/4 in. x 6 5/8 in. (221 mm x 168 mm) image size
Given by Terence Pepper, 2011
Photographs Collection
NPG x135097

Sittersback to top

  • Augustus Edwin John (1878-1961), Painter. Sitter in 106 portraits, Artist or producer associated with 33 portraits.
  • Talitha Dina Pol (1940-1971), Actress; second wife of Sir (John) Paul Getty; daughter of Willem Pol; granddaughter of Augustus John. Sitter in 2 portraits.

Artistback to top

This portraitback to top

Towards the end of his life, John's fame was such that that his birthday was considered newsworthy. Press photographs were taken annually to mark the occasion. This photograph shows his eighty-third, and final, birthday on 4 January 1961. He is shown with his step-granddaughter, Talitha Pol who, like Dorelia, became a style icon of her era. She married John Paul Getty Jr. and was at the centre of a bohemian circle in Marrakesh, Morocco. John's last public appearance on 17 September was characteristically active and unconventional, participating in the Committee of 100's demonstration against nuclear weapons at Trafalgar Square. He died on 31 October from heart failure.

Placesback to top

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

Portrait setback to top

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1961back to top

Current affairs

Peter Benenson's article The Forgotten Prisoners is published internationally, inspiring the founding of the human rights organisation, Amnesty International.
The philosopher and peace activist Bertrand Russell is imprisoned for inciting civil disobedience during a sit down demonstration at the Ministry of Defence and Hyde Park.
The farthing coin - used in Britain for the last 7 centuries - ceases to be legal tender.

Art and science

Rudolf Nureyev defects from the USSR fearing that the KGB would arrest him for being gay and for fraternising with foreigners. After seeking asylum in Paris he set up home in London at the Royal Ballet and began his famous partnership with Margot Fonteyn.
The satirical magazine, Private Eye is first published.

International

The East German government erects the Berlin Wall, ceasing free movement between East and West Berlin. The barrier prevented citizens of Soviet controlled East Germany from crossing the border into West Germany to work, or to defect.
Yuri Gagarin, the soviet cosmonaut, becomes the first man in space orbiting the earth on the 12th April.

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