The Duke of Kent by Stephen Ward
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
The Duke of Kent by Stephen Ward
Edward, Duke of Kent (1935 - ), son of Prince George, Duke of Kent and Princess Marina of Greece; the present Queens cousin pictured in 1961 when he had represented his cousin the Queen at the Sierra Leone independence celebrations in Freetown. The illustration is by Stephen Ward, the society osteopath and artist who sketched several high profile figures for the Illustrated London News in 1961, but two years later he would become notorious through his involvement in the Profumo Affair. Date: 1961
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14166190
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1961 News Scandal Stephen Ward
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this black and white sketch, we find Edward, Duke of Kent (b. 1935), a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, in the prime of his youth during the historic Sierra Leone independence celebrations in Freetown in 1961. The Duke, who represented the Queen at the event, is depicted in a formal attire, exuding an air of regal confidence and poise. The illustration was skillfully rendered by Stephen Ward (1912-1963), a renowned British osteopath and artist. At the time, Ward was a prominent figure in London's high society circles and a regular contributor to the Illustrated London News, where he sketched several high-profile personalities. His distinctive, expressive style brought the subjects to life, capturing their essence and personality in a way that resonated with the public. However, the seemingly idyllic scene of the Duke's portrait belies the darker turn Ward's life would take just two years later. In 1963, he became infamous for his involvement in the Profumo Affair, a political and social scandal that rocked the British establishment. The scandal, which involved Ward, John Profumo (Secretary of State for War), Christine Keeler, and other key figures, led to the resignation of Profumo and significant damage to the reputation of the British government. This evocative portrait of the Duke of Kent by Stephen Ward serves as a poignant reminder of a time when the artist was still known for his exceptional talent and contributions to the world of art, rather than his association with scandal. The image stands as a testament to the complexities and contradictions of the human experience, as well as the enduring power of art to capture a moment in history.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.