ARTWORKS

Sir John (later Lord) Wolfenden (1906–1985), Director and Principal Librarian (1969–1973)

Michael Noakes (1933–2018)

British Museum

Sir John (later Lord) Wolfenden (1906–1985), Director and Principal Librarian (1969–1973)

© the artist's estate / Bridgeman Images. Image credit: The Trustees of the British Museum

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Sir John was the last head of the Museum to hold the title ‘Principal Librarian’ which lapsed when the British Library separated in July 1973. He was also the first head of the Museum since the eighteenth century not to be appointed from among the staff. His previous posts included the Chairmanship of the University Grants Committee, headmaster at Uppingham and Shrewsbury schools and Vice Chancellor of the University of Reading. He was particularly noted for his chairmanship of the departmental committee on homosexual offences and prostitution (1954–1957) which produced the influential ‘Wolfenden Report’. The painting, which was produced to mark his retirement at the end of 1973, was probably produced in the Director’s Residence at the Museum which Sir John occupied with his family.

British Museum

London

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Title

Sir John (later Lord) Wolfenden (1906–1985), Director and Principal Librarian (1969–1973)

Date

1973/1974

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 117.5 x W 74 cm

Accession number

Painting.58

Acquisition method

commissioned by a body of subscribers, 1973

Work type

Painting

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British Museum

Great Russell Street, London, Greater London WC1B 3DG England

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Artist or maker

Michael Noakes

1933–2018

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