Jan Struther (Joyce Anstruther, later Placzek)
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Jan Struther (Joyce Anstruther, later Placzek)
by Fritz Reichl
pencil, 1947
8 1/4 in. x 6 1/4 in. (209 mm x 160 mm)
Given by the sitter's son, Robert Maxtone Graham, 2004
Primary Collection
NPG 6665
Sitterback to top
- Jan Struther (Joyce Anstruther, later Placzek) (1901-1953), Journalist, writer and creator of 'Mrs Miniver'. Sitter in 1 portrait.
Artistback to top
- Fritz Reichl (1890-1959), Artist and architectural designer. Artist or producer of 1 portrait.
This portraitback to top
This drawing is the only known portrait of the sitter. It was made by Fritz Reichl, a friend of her future husband. It was signed with Reichl's monogram on a much larger sheet, which the sitter's son later cut down, pasting the monogram where we see it now. He wrote and pasted the note on the left 'to balance it'.
Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top
- Life lines: Recently acquired 20th Century drawings (31 October 2009 - 25 April 2010)
Events of 1947back to top
Current affairs
Princess Elizabeth marries Philip Mountbatten at Westminster Abbey. Philip renounced his title of Prince of Greece and Denmark, to become Duke of Edinburgh when he married the heir to the throne.Art and science
The first Edinburgh Festival includes performances by Kathleen Ferrier, Alec Guinness and Margot Fonteyn. The Festival is now a major annual international arts event that takes place over three weeks every August, and includes top class performers in theatre, music and dance as well as lesser-known performers who take part in the parallel 'Fringe Festival'.International
India is granted independence from the British Empire and the former British Raj is partitioned into India and Pakistan. After various revolts and several years of civil disobedience led by Gandhi and his Quit India Movement, Britain agrees to disband the Raj and grant independence to India.Palestine is partitioned into a Jewish State, an Arab State and a small internationally administered zone.
Comments back to top
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David Haywood
30 May 2017, 15:13
I believe her services were employed by those in USA who required the then neutral country to be enlightened as to the ordinary plight of the British people. This when the UK and dominions were up against Nazi Germany and losing much needed resources, thanks to the all pervading U-Boat wolf packs. She provided much needed PR to the Allied cause. It has been said that this exhausted her, contributing to her various illnesses in later life.