Franklin D. Roosevelt
1 portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt
Art Fund Popular Portraits Collection. Photo: © National Portrait Gallery, London
Franklin D. Roosevelt
by Arnold Machin, for Wedgwood and Bentley
transfer relief moulded ceramic mug, 1941
4 3/8 in. x 5 1/8 in. (110 mm x 130 mm) overall
Purchased with help from the Art Fund, 2019
Reference Collection
NPG D48653
Sitterback to top
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945), President of the United States. Sitter in 6 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- Arnold Machin (1911-1999), Sculptor; coin and stamp designer. Artist or producer associated with 2 portraits.
- Wedgwood and Bentley, Pottery and ceramic manufacturers. Artist or producer associated with 2 portraits.
This portraitback to top
This mug was made in 1941 for the American export market in order to raise support for the USA entering the Second World War. It is one of a pair; the other features British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. On the body and base of the mugs are extracts from speeches made by the two statesmen. Roosevelt's comes from his May 1941 radio broadcast on the threat posed by Nazi Germany. Explore this portrait from all angles.
Events of 1941back to top
Current affairs
The Blitz continues with sustained Luftwaffe attacks on British cities. As the bombing went on the urban population got used to the black out, the air raid sirens and nights spent in shelter. The idea emerged (to some extent a myth) of the 'spirit of the Blitz' where people pulled together united, disregarding traditional class and social divisions.Art and science
Frank Whittle demonstrates the first test-flight of a plane powered by jet propulsion. Although the German, Hans von Ohain, built the first jet plane, Whittle was the first to patent a design for the jet engine (in 1930), and his subsequent work helped to advance the technology and made Britain leaders in the field.International
The Soviet Union and America join the Allies. The Soviet Union was forced to switch sides after Hitler attacked in June 1941, reneging the Soviet-Nazi pact. Six months later the US Navy was attacked by Japan at Pearl Harbour. The following day the USA declared war on Japan, and three days later Germany and Italy declared war on America.Comments back to top
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