Alexander Fleming
6 of 6 portraits by Frank Kovacs
Photograph © National Portrait Gallery, London
Alexander Fleming
by Frank Kovacs
bronze medallion, 1955
6 1/8 in. (156 mm) diameter
Purchased, 1961
Primary Collection
NPG 4238
Sitterback to top
- Sir Alexander Fleming (1881-1955), Bacteriologist and discoverer of penicillin. Sitter in 24 portraits.
Artistback to top
- Frank Kovacs (died 1965), Sculptor, medallist and Calvinist minister. Artist or producer of 6 portraits.
Linked publicationsback to top
- Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 221
Events of 1955back to top
Current affairs
Robert Anthony Eden becomes prime minister. In May 1955 Winston Churchill resigned due to ill health. His successor proved to be a similarly popular leader, winning an increased majority at the general election that year. Eden's popularity was due to a combination of his long wartime service, good looks and charm.Art and science
Mary Quant introduces the 'Chelsea Look' with her Bazaar boutique. In the 1960s Quant was a major contributor to 'swinging London' introducing some of the seminal items of 1960s fashion: the miniskirt, hot pants, paint-box make-up and plastic raincoats.International
West Germany joins NATO, prompting the East European Communist counties to respond by forming the Warsaw Pact. The signatories of the Warsaw Pact pledged to defend each other if any member was attacked. This development was a major event in the Cold War as it firmly established the East and West as opposing military powers.Comments back to top
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