Eric Morecambe; Ernie Wise
Eric Morecambe; Ernie Wise
by Arnold Newman
bromide print, 1978
10 5/8 in. x 15 1/4 in. (270 mm x 387 mm)
Given by The Sunday Times, 1980
Primary Collection
NPG P150(42)
On display in Room 28 on Floor 2 at the National Portrait Gallery
Sittersback to top
- Eric Morecambe (Eric Bartholomew) (1926-1984), Comedian. Sitter in 7 portraits. Identify
- Ernie Wise (Ernest Wiseman) (1925-1999), Comedian. Sitter in 7 portraits. Identify
Artistback to top
- Arnold Newman (1918-2006), Photographer. Artist or producer of 62 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.
This portraitback to top
This shot of the sitters dressed for a dance routine is one of fifty portraits that comprised Newman's book and exhibition, The Great British (1979). The photographer recalled 'we gleefully worked together as though we had a relationship of many years standing.'
Linked publicationsback to top
- Perry, George, The Great British: Photographs by Arnold Newman, 1979 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 30 November 1979 - 11 May 1980), p. 89
- Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 440
Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top
- Picturing Friendship (30 June 2018 - 13 May 2019)
- Comedians: From the 1940s to now (17 September 2011 - 8 January 2012)
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1978back to top
Current affairs
The country is brought to a virtual standstill as workers in the private and public sector strike over the government's decision to restrict wage increases. As more workers joined the strikes rubbish piled up in the streets, petrol stations ran short, and storage space had to be hired for unburied coffins. The period became known as the 'winter of discontent'.Art and science
Louise Brown from Oldham in Greater Manchester becomes the world's first 'test-tube baby'. The 'in vitro' fertilisation procedure was a scientific breakthrough that has given thousands of infertile couples the opportunity to conceive.Iris Murdoch wins the Booker prize with her novel. The Sea, the Sea.
International
Karol Józef Wojtyla becomes Pope John Paul II. He was the only Polish Pope and the first non-Italian Pontiff since the 16th century. During his 26-year pontificate, John Paul was recognised for his efforts to reach out to other religions and his fight against poverty and oppression. He has also, however, been criticised for his conservative attitudes towards divorce, contraception, homosexual marriage and the ordination of women priests.Comments back to top
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