2 OF 4

The Thomson family

2 of 4 portraits of John Adam Thomson

Identify sitters

The Thomson family

by Bassano Ltd
whole-plate film negative, 15 November 1937
Given by Bassano & Vandyk Studios, 1974
Photographs Collection
NPG x37175

Sittersback to top

David Paget Thomson (1931-), Businessman; son of Sir George Paget Thomson. Sitter in 4 portraits. Identify
Sir George Paget Thomson (1892-1975), Physicist. Sitter in 25 portraits. Identify
John Adam Thomson (1927-), Diplomat. Sitter in 4 portraits. Identify
Kathleen Buchanan Thomson (née Smith) (1900-1941), Wife of Sir George Paget Thomson; daughter of Sir George Adam Smith. Sitter in 4 portraits. Identify
Lilian Clare de Villiers Graaff (née Thomson), Daughter of Sir George Paget Thomson; wife of Jan de Villiers Graaff. Sitter in 4 portraits. Identify

Artistback to top

Bassano Ltd (active 1901-1962), Photographers. Artist associated with 42746 portraits.

Placesback to top

Place made and portrayed: Unknown Place (sitters' home)

Portrait setback to top

Bassano 1937

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1937back to top

Current affairs

George VI becomes king. The younger brother of Edward VIII was crowned on the 12th May and the coronation was broadcast to Britain and the Empire on the radio. Edward becomes the Duke of Windsor, although the rank of 'Royal Highness' is not extended to Wallis Simpson.
Neville Chamberlain becomes Prime Minister following Baldwin's retirement.

Art and science

Roland Penrose organises a tour of Picasso's painting Guernica to the UK. The painting, which shows the horrors of the Spanish Civil War, went on display at the Whitechapel Art Gallery in East London

International

Commercial airship travel is brought to an end with the 'Hindenberg Disaster'. The German airship exploded while landing in New Jersey. The radio broadcaster Herbert Morrison's reaction has become legendary: 'Oh, the humanity!'
Japan invades China, killing about 25,000. Japanese Troops committed numerous atrocities against soldiers and civilians in what became known as the 'Rape of Nanking'.

Tell us more back to top

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