6 OF 7

Valerie Hobson; John Profumo

6 of 7 portraits by Antony Beauchamp

possibly by Antony Beauchamp
cream-toned vintage bromide print, circa 1956
8 3/4 in. x 7 1/8 in. (222 mm x 181 mm) image size
Purchased, 2011
Photographs Collection
NPG x135691

Sittersback to top

Valerie Babette Louise Hobson (1917-1998), Film and stage actress; wife of John Profumo. Sitter in 29 portraits.
John Dennis ('Jack') Profumo (1915-2006), Politician; son of 4th Baron Albert Profumo. Sitter in 12 portraits.

Artistback to top

Antony Beauchamp (1918-1957), Photographer; second husband of Sarah Churchill. Artist associated with 7 portraits, Sitter in 6 portraits.

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1956back to top

Current affairs

The first supermarket opens in Britain. Inspired by the new innovation in America, Jack Cohen opened his first Tesco supermarket in Essex.
The First Clean Air Act is passed in response to the 'Pea Soup' smog over London.

Art and science

Pop Art is seen for the first time in the This is Tomorrow exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery. The exhibition included Richard Hamilton's iconic collage: What is it that makes today's homes so different, so appealing?
John Osborne's play Look Back in Anger opens at the Royal Court Theatre, introducing the phrase 'Angry young man' to describe the new movement of gritty, post-war realism in literature.

International

The Suez Crisis rocked Eden's premiership and marked the decline of British world power and influence in favour of America. In 1956 President Nasser of Egypt nationalised the Suez canal. Although Britain and France, who had owned the canal since the 19th century, invaded Egypt, they were soon persuaded to withdraw by US President Eisenhower who disapproved of the occupation.

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