Ava Gardner

© Norman Parkinson Archive/ Iconic Images

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Ava Gardner

by Norman Parkinson
bromide fibre print on card mount, 1953
14 1/2 in. x 11 3/8 in. (368 mm x 290 mm)
Given by Norman Parkinson, 1981 in conjunction with the NPG exhibition 'Norman Parkinson: 50 Years of Portraits and Fashion'
Photographs Collection
NPG x30116

Sitterback to top

  • Ava Gardner (1922-1990), Film actress. Sitter in 4 portraits.

Artistback to top

  • Norman Parkinson (1913-1990), Photographer. Artist or producer of 244 portraits, Sitter in 14 portraits.

This portraitback to top

At the time of this photograph, taken shortly after the filming of her role as Queen Guinevere in the film Knights of the Round Table (1953), she was married to her third husband Frank Sinatra. In her later years, Gardner was photographed again by Parkinson when she lived in London. Published in Vogue, December 1953.

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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