Carel Weight

by Geoffrey Ireland
bromide print on red card mount, circa 1953
11 3/8 in. x 14 1/2 in. (288 mm x 368 mm)
Purchased, 1980
Photographs Collection
NPG x125113

Sitterback to top

Carel Victor Morlais Weight (1908-1997), Painter and teacher of art. Sitter in 17 portraits, Artist of 2 portraits.

Artistback to top

Geoffrey Ireland (1923-2016), Photographer and writer. Artist of 29 portraits.

This portraitback to top

In this image Weight is seen, surrounded by his students and fellow teachers, taking a 'crit' , the forum in which student work was discussed, at the Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore It is noteworthy that in a group of thirty-one there are only three women. Photographed at the Royal College of Art, London.

Placesback to top

Place made and portrayed: United Kingdom: England, London (Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, London)

Subject/Themeback to top

Art in art

Events of 1953back to top

Current affairs

A combination of low pressure in the North Sea, hurricane force winds, and high tides result in the Great Flood of 1953. With no warning system many were trapped in their homes as 20-foot waves crashed on the coast; hundreds were killed at sea and on the east coast.
John Hunt's British Expedition conquers Everest. News of the achievement reached Britain on the day of Elizabeth's coronation.

Art and science

Frances Crick and James Watson discover the double helix structure of DNA. Uncovering DNA's chemical make-up revolutionised our understanding of the building blocks of life.
Ian Fleming publishes his first James Bond novel, Casino Royal.
Chad Varah founds 'The Samaritans' helpline.

International

Joseph Stalin dies four days after suffering a stroke. It has been suggested that Stalin was assassinated, as he was denied medical assistance for over a day after he was found; many suspect that he was poisoned. On his death Georgy Malenkov became leader of the Soviet Union.

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