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Terence Rattigan; Vera Rattigan (née Houston)

2 of 2 portraits by W.A. Probst

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Terence Rattigan; Vera Rattigan (née Houston)

by W.A. Probst
bromide print, 1956
9 1/2 in. x 7 1/2 in. (240 mm x 190 mm) image size
Given by Michael J. Franklin, 1984
Photographs Collection
NPG x22207

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Artistback to top

  • W.A. Probst, Photographer. Artist or producer of 2 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Rattigan was photographed with his mother Vera aboard the Queen Mary liner returning from New York in November 1956 after overseeing the Broadway openings of his plays Separate Tables and The Sleeping Prince. The latter was made into a film The Prince and the Showgirl while he was away, starring Laurence Olivier and Marilyn Monroe. Before departing for America Rattigan attended the first night of John Osborne's play, Look Back in Anger, which opened at the Royal Court Theatre in May 1956 and heralded a new wave in British theatre.

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  • Place made and portrayed: Unknown Place (aboard the 'Queen Mary' Cunard Liner)

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Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1956back to top

Current affairs

The first supermarket opens in Britain. Inspired by the new innovation in America, Jack Cohen opened his first Tesco supermarket in Essex.
The First Clean Air Act is passed in response to the 'Pea Soup' smog over London.

Art and science

Pop Art is seen for the first time in the This is Tomorrow exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery. The exhibition included Richard Hamilton's iconic collage: What is it that makes today's homes so different, so appealing?
John Osborne's play Look Back in Anger opens at the Royal Court Theatre, introducing the phrase 'Angry young man' to describe the new movement of gritty, post-war realism in literature.

International

The Suez Crisis rocked Eden's premiership and marked the decline of British world power and influence in favour of America. In 1956 President Nasser of Egypt nationalised the Suez canal. Although Britain and France, who had owned the canal since the 19th century, invaded Egypt, they were soon persuaded to withdraw by US President Eisenhower who disapproved of the occupation.

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