Stephen Spender

by Ida Kar
vintage bromide print, 1951
8 1/8 in. x 6 in. (206 mm x 152 mm)
Purchased, 1999
Photographs Collection
NPG x125097

Sitterback to top

Sir Stephen Harold Spender (1909-1995), Poet and critic. Sitter associated with 53 portraits.

Artistback to top

Ida Kar (1908-1974), Photographer. Artist associated with 1565 portraits, Sitter in 137 portraits.

Portrait setback to top

Photographs by Ida Kar, 1940s-1950s

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.

Tell us more back to top

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