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Somerset Maugham; Jacob Epstein

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Somerset Maugham; Jacob Epstein

by Ida Kar
2 1/4 inch square film negative, 1951
Purchased, 1999
Photographs Collection
NPG x136752

Sittersback to top

Artistback to top

  • Ida Kar (1908-1974), Photographer. Artist associated with 1544 portraits, Sitter in 136 portraits.

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Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1951back to top

Current affairs

The Conservative Party wins the general election and Winston Churchill returns for a second term as prime minister.

Art and science

On the centenary of the Great Exhibition of 1851, the Festival of Britain is held as a nationwide celebration of British culture, and as an impetus for post-war regeneration. As well as various art, science and industrial exhibitions and events, a major regeneration project was initiated for the South Bank area of London under the directorship of the architect, Hugh Casson.

International

Libya declares its sovereignty from Italian rule, becoming the first independent state to be created by the UN.
At the Treaty of San Francisco, 48 nations sign a peace treaty with Japan, officially ending the Pacific War - the last battleground of the Second World War.

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