Michael Ayrton

© estate of Michael Ayrton / National Portrait Gallery, London

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Michael Ayrton

by Michael Ayrton
oil and ripolin on board, 1957-1958
25 in. x 50 in. (635 mm x 1268 mm)
Purchased, 2004
Primary Collection
NPG 6666

Sitterback to top

  • Michael Ayrton (1921-1975), Artist. Sitter in 8 portraits, Artist or producer of 10 portraits.

Artistback to top

  • Michael Ayrton (1921-1975), Artist. Artist or producer of 10 portraits, Sitter in 8 portraits.

Linked publicationsback to top

  • Rideal, Liz, Insights: Self-portraits, 2005, p. 82 Read entry

    The linear scaffolding above Ayrton’s head and the use of the device of a mirror standing on a table to reflect his image create a feeling of being out-of-body and project existential space. They also relate to the constructivist geometry of John Tunnard’s self-portrait and recall the cage-like structures used by Francis Bacon.

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1957back to top

Current affairs

Harold Macmillan takes over as Conservative prime minister, manoeuvring Eden out of power after his poor handling of the Suez Crisis the previous year.
The Wolfenden Report recommends that homosexuality should no longer be a criminal offence. It still took ten years, however, before any changes were made to the law on homosexuality with the Sexual Offences Act in 1967.

Art and science

The Today Programme is first broadcast on Radio 4. This early morning current affairs programme is known for breaking major stories early, and for its hard-hitting approach and tough interviewing style. Presenters have included: Robert Robinson, Brian Redhead, Libby Purves, Jenni Murray, Sue MacGregor, John Humphrys, Anna Ford and James Naughtie.

International

The Treaty of Rome leads to the formation of the European Economic Community. Officially beginning on 1st January 1958, the EEC established a European Common Market, where goods, services, labour and capital could move freely within the European member countries, and shared policies were agreed for labour, social welfare, agriculture, transport, and foreign trade. The EEC preceded the European Community, and the European Union.

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