skip to main content

Parliament and the Second World War

During the Second World War, the Palace of Westminster was damaged by air raids on 14 occasions. Throughout this threat, Parliament’s role remained vital. It ensured the essential work of democracy continued, enabling the country to navigate the challenges of wartime.

The individuals at Parliament – Members of both Houses, staff, and their families – meant that Parliament could persevere. Some acted in their official capacity. Others volunteered and learned new skills. In this online exhibition, we highlight the contributions of a selection of the people who protected and supported Parliamentary democracy in wartime.

Use the buttons below to slide through the online exhibition, drawing on objects from Parliament’s Collections.

Painting of a figure stood amongst a building, clearing debris. The painting is in sandy tones of grey and brown. The figure is small in the centre, and holds a broom. Around them are large stones that have fallen. The building is comprised of decorative stonework arches and windows. There is evidence of damage to the stone, and broken windows. The figure wears a cap, jacket and trousers.

Parliament’s War Effort

A solitary figure stands in Members Lobby, just outside the House of Commons Chamber. Surrounded by charred wood, blasted stone, and twisted ironwork they clear the debris of a recent air raid. This unknown figure represents the huge numbers of people who were part of Parliament’s war effort.

‘The total number of persons who took part in the internal defence of the Houses of Parliament was 1,168 of whom 788 completed more than 6 months duty. This last figure includes 229 fire guards, 260 Home Guards, 61 Custodians, 62 Police, 36 A.R.P. Firemen, 50 Red Cross Nurses with 26 permanent part-time workers and shelter wardens etc.’ 

– Facts and figures about ARP at the Palace of Westminster, 1945.

The Lobby of The House of Commons 1941, Painting by Vivian C. Hardingham © Unknown. Photo courtesy of UK Parliament, Heritage Collections, WOA 1977. All reasonable efforts have been made to find the copyright holders. If you
have any information pertaining to this, please contact Heritage Collections.

Painted portrait of an older white man, seated and leaning on a table. The man is balding, and has a neutral expression as he looks straight out on front of him, over the shoulder of the viewer. He is wearing a black jacket over a white shirt, clack waistcoat and black and white spotted bow tie. There are gold chains across his waistcoat, and he has pinstripe trousers. The table he leans on is covered with a green cloth, and a folder of papers in under his elbow. The background is a neutral mottled black/brown.

Winston Churchill MP

Britain had been at war for eight months, when the Conservative Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain (1869-1940) resigned, on 10 May 1940. That same evening, Winston Churchill (1874-1965) was in charge.  Soon after, nine months of bombing attacks on cities and towns across the country began. The Palace of Westminster suffered extensive damage. 

Britain appeared on the brink of defeat on several occasions, yet Churchill stood firm, leading with a determined and patriotic approach. He is remembered for his rousing speeches, both to the Commons and via public broadcasts.  Churchill’s dedication to Parliament never wavered. When the Commons Chamber was destroyed by an air raid, Churchill declared from amongst the ruins, ‘The Chamber must be built as it was. Meanwhile we shall not lose a single day’s debate’. 

Sir Oswald Birley, Sir Winston Churchill, 1874-1965, Prime Minister, 1946, Oil Painting, Photo credit: Parliamentary Art Collection WOA 2723

Painted portrait of an older white man, seated and leaning on a table. The man is balding, and has a neutral expression as he looks straight out on front of him, over the shoulder of the viewer. He is wearing a black jacket over a white shirt, clack waistcoat and black and white spotted bow tie. There are gold chains across his waistcoat, and he has pinstripe trousers. The table he leans on is covered with a green cloth, and a folder of papers in under his elbow. The background is a neutral mottled black/brown.



This portrait was painted a year after the end of the war, when Churchill was leader of the opposition. He again became Prime Minister in 1951 and remained an MP for a further 15 years, retiring just before his 90th birthday. 

‘I wish to give my hearty thanks to … every part of the House … for the way in which the liveliness of Parliamentary institutions has been maintained under the fire of the enemy and for the way in which we have been able to persevere.’

–  Churchill, Statement to the House of Commons, 8 May 1945  

Sir Oswald Birley, Sir Winston Churchill, 1874-1965, Prime Minister, 1946, Oil Painting, Photo credit: Parliamentary Art Collection WOA 2723 

Black and white photograph of a group of people operating machinery. The main figure in the scene is a white adult woman, wearing a white coat and hat. She has a volume of blonde hair styled under the cap. She is in the centre of the photo, and reaching towards some machinery. Around her, several other men and women are busy working. In the foreground there is metal machinery. Above is pipework.

Mrs Hodges 

Mrs Hodges (active 1884-1945) worked as a skilled machine operator for the Westminster Munitions Unit. The WMU operated in the basement underneath Parliament’s Central Lobby from April 1943 to December 1945. Mrs Hodges worked with over 100 other volunteers. Members, officials, staff, and their families from both Houses of Parliament worked side by side.

The WMU mostly produced parts for anti-aircraft guns, such as torque amplifiers, and quality-checked fuses. It used spaces and equipment normally occupied by Parliament’s maintenance team. Staff learnt specialist skills on the job and used only non-flammable metals to avoid any risk of explosion. 

Mrs Hodges at the capstan lathe. From the Parliamentary Archives.

Black and white photograph of a group of people operating machinery. The main figure in the scene is a white adult woman, wearing a white coat and hat. She has a volume of blonde hair styled under the cap. She is in the centre of the photo, and reaching towards some machinery. Around her, several other men and women are busy working. In the foreground there is metal machinery. Above is pipework.

Mrs Hodges was probably born Lilian Mary Vinall and may have joined the war effort due to the death of her husband Ernest, a print machine minder at Parliament, in December 1943. As his wife, she had rare access to the Palace as well as time to give to the war effort. Others worked spare hours around their usual Parliamentary roles, both men and women of all ages. MPs could not be paid for WMU work, but their wives and others could.  

‘My machine is comforting … in however small and insignificant a way – I am fighting a little bit too.’

– Lady Sinclair (another WMU munitions worker), 27 June 1944

Mrs Hodges at the capstan lathe. From the Parliamentary Archives.

Black and white photograph of an older white man, looking directly at the viewer. He has a neutral expression, and wears ceremonial outfit. On his large, flat black hat is a large badge at the front. He is draped in a cloak with a ribbon at the shoulder and a patch with the St George cross. There are white ruffs at the sleeves of his black jacket. At his neck there are cords and a necklace with a large pendant. In his right hand, he holds a long, thin black stick with a decorative metal top and mid-section.

Sir Geoffrey Blake

Sir Geoffrey Blake (1882 –1968) served as the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod from 1945 to 1949, after retiring from the Royal Navy. As a senior officer in the House of Lords, Blake was responsible for maintaining access and order in the Lords Chamber and played a key role in important Parliamentary events.

Blake was the third person to hold the position of Black Rod during the Second World War. After the House of Commons chamber was destroyed in 1941, MPs temporarily sat in the House of Lords chamber. The Lords met in the Robing Room, where Blake carried out his duties as Black Rod. State Opening of Parliament in 1945 took place on 15 August, the same day as VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day), which marked the end of war in the Pacific, and the Second World War.  MPs used St Stephen’s Hall as a temporary Commons chamber for the occasion, and Peers moved back to the House of Lords chamber. This meant King George VI could deliver his speech in the House of Lords as ‘normal’. 

Vice Admiral Sir Geoffrey Blake Black Rod, Ewart Monochrome photographic print, Parliamentary Art Collection, WOA 804 © UK Parliament 

Black and white photograph of an older white man, looking directly at the viewer. He has a neutral expression, and wears ceremonial outfit. On his large, flat black hat is a large badge at the front. He is draped in a cloak with a ribbon at the shoulder and a patch with the St George cross. There are white ruffs at the sleeves of his black jacket. At his neck there are cords and a necklace with a large pendant. In his right hand, he holds a long, thin black stick with a decorative metal top and mid-section.

‘It has fallen to Sir Geoffrey to take part in more than one historic occasion, and I am sure that every member of the House who has participated in those ceremonial occasions under … [his] guidance … will have been impressed by the dignity and seriousness which he has imparted to the proceedings.’

– Viscount Addison speaking in the House of Lords, 18 January 1949

Vice Admiral Sir Geoffrey Blake Black Rod, Ewart Monochrome photographic print, Parliamentary Art Collection, WOA 804 © UK Parliament 

Black and white portrait photograph of an older white women. She is facing the camara, smiling. She has short hair, brushed back from her face. She wears earrings and a three-strand pearl necklace. On her suit jacket is a floral stylised brooch. The background of the photograph is plain gradient of grey.

Edith Summerskill MP 

Edith Summerskill (1901–1980) began her career as a doctor before entering politics. Summerskill was Labour MP for West Fulham from 1938 to 1955, and then Warrington between 1955 and 1961. She was made a life Peer in 1961. During the Second World War, Summerskill was vocal on women’s involvement in the war effort. 

Alongside other female MPs, Summerskill campaigned for women to take an active role in fire watching, munitions manufacture, and the Home Guard (a body of citizens established to defend Britain if it was invaded). Initially, women could not join the Home Guard. It was thought they were physically unfit for the role and should not be exposed to such danger. After much campaigning, the Home Guard Women Auxiliaries was formed in May 1943.     

Edith Clara Summerskill, Baroness Summerskill of Kenwood, PUD/14/686, © Parliamentary Archives. 

Black and white portrait photograph of an older white women. She is facing the camara, smiling. She has short hair, brushed back from her face. She wears earrings and a three-strand pearl necklace. On her suit jacket is a floral stylised brooch. The background of the photograph is plain gradient of grey.

The war also encouraged Summerskill’s commitment to social reform. She was part of Clement Attlee’s post-war Labour government and supported the establishment of the National Health Service. In 1961, Summerskill entered the House of Lords as Baroness Summerskill of Kenwood, London. 

‘If we are going to make a total effort, are we to ignore more than half of the adult population, which is comprised of women? Women can make a very useful contribution, apart from the domestic side, to the work of the Home Guard.’

-  Summerskill, speaking in the House of Commons, 18 December 1941 

Edith Clara Summerskill, Baroness Summerskill of Kenwood, PUD/14/686, © Parliamentary Archives. 

A painting depicting a large fire being fought at night time. The painting is morstly warm orange in colour. In the centre foreground, a very tall ladder can be seen with two strong hoses of water spraying from the top. Several more streams of water are pointing at a flaming building in the background, with another tall ladder behind the first. The sky is fulled with smoke that it glowing orange. At the bottom left and bottom right we see small figures wearing helmets pointing hoses.

William John MacLeod 

Artist and painting restorer William John MacLeod (1891-1970) documented the bomb damage at the Houses of Parliament between 1940 and 1942. Part of a team who worked in the Palace behind the scenes and often after hours, he was unusually placed to witness and record these events firsthand. 

Fife-born MacLeod studied drawing and painting at the Glasgow School of Art. During the First World War, aged 24, he joined the army but was discharged following injury. By the Second World War, he was an employee of the Ministry of Works, a government body responsible for the management and maintenance of Government buildings.  MacLeod was one of a team of artists employed to restore the wall paintings within the Palace of Westminster.

William John MacLeod, The Burning of the House of Commons, 1941, © The Artist’s Estate, Photo credit: Parliamentary Art Collection, WOA 2779. All reasonable efforts have been made to find the copyright holders. If you
have any information pertaining to this, please contact Heritage Collections. 

A painting depicting a smoke filled space at night. Jets of water are being directed towards the right hand side of the painting. Flames can be seen throughout the composition. Large beams and ladders are leaning across the composition. The composition is framed within an archway. A figure can be seen in the centre of the scene wearing protective clothing.

MacLeod’s paintings show the Houses of Parliament on fire, following bomb attacks, with firefighters fearlessly tackling the blaze. 

‘With the altered character of modern war, any record limited to the activities of the armed services would be misleading, the need for recording adequately the important and varied civilian activities […] recording striking events and personalities will occur as the war runs its course.’

–  O.E.P.E.C. War Artists Paper, 23 October 1940

William John MacLeod, The Morning after the Blitz, The House of Commons 1941, © The Artist’s Estate, Photo credit: Parliamentary Art Collection, WOA 2777. All reasonable efforts have been made to find the copyright holders. If you
have any information pertaining to this, please contact Heritage Collections. 

Portrait of a women, seated and facing the viewer. The woman is looking straight at the viewer with a neutral expression. She is white with grey hair loosely tied back from her face. She is wearing a white shirt and black long sleeved garment over the top. She has a necklace with a pearl pendant, a square brooch, and is holding a closed book. Behind is a plain, grey veil of fabric.

Eleanor Rathbone MP

Eleanor Rathbone (1872–1946) was the Independent MP for the Combined English Universities from 1929 to 1946. Active in the interwar women’s movement, Rathbone championed ‘women’s questions’ such as family allowances, an early form of child benefit. In the 1930s she turned her attention to foreign affairs and became known as the ‘MP for refugees’. 

In the lead up to the Second World War, Rathbone focused on supporting those affected by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime in Germany and the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). With democracy under threat across Europe, she condemned the British government’s policy of appeasement. In 1938, Rathbone established a Parliamentary Committee on Refugees, which supported Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazis. She was also involved in Spanish relief work, including the evacuation of around 4,000 refugee children.

Eleanor Rathbone 1872-1946 Painting by Julian Barrow after Sir James Gunn, Photo courtesy of UK Parliament, Heritage Collections, WOA 4391, © National Portrait Gallery.  

Portrait of a women, seated and facing the viewer. The woman is looking straight at the viewer with a neutral expression. She is white with grey hair loosely tied back from her face. She is wearing a white shirt and black long sleeved garment over the top. She has a necklace with a pearl pendant, a square brooch, and is holding a closed book. Behind is a plain, grey veil of fabric.

With the outbreak of war, Rathbone campaigned alongside female MPs, including Edith Summerskill, to recruit women into wartime occupations and challenged the treatment of ‘enemy aliens’, which referred to German, Austrian, and Italian nationals living in Britain. 

‘The problem is so urgent and our responsibility so great, we should not rest until the British contribution to the work of rescue is on the largest possible scale…Care should be bestowed upon refugees already here, and we should work for a more generous and enlightened policy in the future.’

–  Rathbone, Birmingham Daily Post, 20 July 1943

Eleanor Rathbone 1872-1946 Painting by Julian Barrow after Sir James Gunn, Photo courtesy of UK Parliament, Heritage Collections, WOA 4391, © National Portrait Gallery.  

Black and white photograph of a group of figures gathered in front of a statue. There are four people, on the left a women wearing a nurse's uniform, with a black overcoat over her shoulders. Three men are wearing dar suits, and two of them have metal hats on. They are all looking at something on a board. Behind them, a statue of a man is also looking at a board. There are long shadows being cast behind the figures, and the background shows a decorative interior.

Edythe Mary Thomson 

From September 1939, British Red Cross nurses were stationed at the Palace of Westminster, providing vital medical care in wartime Britain. Under the determined leadership of Edythe Mary Thomson (1878-1978) – known as Mrs. Alan Thomson – these nurses worked tirelessly, ensuring emergency preparedness in the face of relentless air raids. 

At 61, Thomson, ran the First Aid Post at Parliament, which was a prime target for air raids. She was a tenacious advocate for her team, securing gas masks, protective clothing, and proper air raid refuge facilities. Edythe managed a fluctuating staff, starting with 15 full-time and 19 part-time nurses, many of whom worked night shifts after their day jobs.   

Red Cross Nurse and Air Raid Precaution Firemen, 1940s, Parliamentary Archives HL/PO/2/9 

Black and white photograph of a group of figures gathered in front of a statue. There are four people, on the left a women wearing a nurse's uniform, with a black overcoat over her shoulders. Three men are wearing dar suits, and two of them have metal hats on. They are all looking at something on a board. Behind them, a statue of a man is also looking at a board. There are long shadows being cast behind the figures, and the background shows a decorative interior.

The British Red Cross carried out extensive services at home and abroad for the sick and wounded, prisoners of war and civilians needing relief.  During the Second World War, Red Cross volunteers also drove ambulances, rescued civilians, and distributed essential supplies, playing a crucial role in London’s wartime resilience. 

‘We must all of us … feel an immense debt of gratitude to the V.A.D. nurses and to the auxiliary nurses and Red Cross nurses for the wonderful work they have done during the present emergency.’

– Lord Alness, speaking in the House of Lords, 8 July 1943

Red Cross Nurse and Air Raid Precaution Firemen, 1940s, Parliamentary Archives HL/PO/2/9 

Black and white photograph of a group of med parading with rifles in the snow. The group are on a terrace or walkway alongside a grand building on one side, and a row on lamposts on the other. They are wearing thick coats, with bags on their fonts, metal hats and a rifle over their shoulder. They are walking towards the camera in a formation. At the front, the man is wearing round glasses and is leading the group. There is snow on the ground and it is actively snowing.

Lord Strabolgi 

A veteran of the First World War, Lord Strabolgi (1886–1953) joined Parliament’s Home Guard in June 1940 at the age of 54, becoming Sector Commander of B Battalion. A former naval officer and MP, he was a vocal member of the House of Lords, championing the vital roles that civilians played in national defence. 

Strabolgi’s military career began in the Royal Navy in 1902, serving for 17 years. After a political career in the House of Commons, he inherited his title and seat in the House of Lords in 1934. Throughout the Second World War, Strabolgi played an active role in parliamentary defences, leading Home Guard exercises. This involved practicing for different scenarios including ‘enemy ground troops attacking’ or ‘enemy air invasion’.  Like many others, Lord Strabolgi’s son, David, joined the army. With much of Britain’s population fighting abroad, this left the older generation to defend the country if there was an invasion.

Sergeant Lord Strabolgi in charge, No 3 Section, Early 1940s, Parliamentary Archives, HC/CL/CH/3/10 

Black and white photograph of a group of med parading with rifles in the snow. The group are on a terrace or walkway alongside a grand building on one side, and a row on lamposts on the other. They are wearing thick coats, with bags on their fonts, metal hats and a rifle over their shoulder. They are walking towards the camera in a formation. At the front, the man is wearing round glasses and is leading the group. There is snow on the ground and it is actively snowing.

‘A great deal has been done, thanks to the initiative and energy of the people themselves. They have not waited for instructions; they have just got on with the job. That is happening all over the country … I know many cases of men who go on watch on the hills at night and come back to their work in the morning without any instructions of any sort. That is the spirit that will defeat the Nazis; but do help it.’

-Strabolgi, speaking in the House of Lords, 4 June 1940

Sergeant Lord Strabolgi in charge, No 3 Section, Early 1940s, Parliamentary Archives, HC/CL/CH/3/10 

Black and white photograph of 4 women and one older man, with another man partially visible in the background. The four women, stood in a row, are looking at the older man, who is dressed in military uniform. He has a grey moustache and glasses, and is wearing a metal, wartime hat. The four women are all wearing suits or smart overcoats with a hat. They all have short, dark hair and are smiling towards the man. In the background there is the suggestion of a large doorway and stone walls.

Pauline Bebbington 

Pauline Margaret Bebbington (1919-2001) was a typist in the Committee Office who stepped up beyond her official duties to serve in the Palace of Westminster Home Guard. At a time when women’s roles in wartime defence were highly contested, she defied expectations, volunteering for fire-watching shifts across the Palace and playing a vital role in its wartime protection. 

Pauline was one of only four women who signed up for the Palace of Westminster Home Guard in 1943. She completed 36 fire-watching shifts that year alone, including what must have been a very chilly evening shift on New Years Eve.

Palace of Westminster Home Guard, 1944, Parliamentary Archives, HC/CL/CH/3/10 

A close up from the photograph on the previous slide. This focuses in on one women, who is a smiling adult white woman. She wears a round hat over her short hair, and a scarf around her neck. She has a buttoned up suit jacket, and a glove on her hand. On her jacker is a pin or brooch, and she has a folder tucked under one arm.

Pauline started working as a typist in Parliament in January 1940, at a time when the country and Parliament were noticing staff shortages caused by soldiers signing up to serve. She remained in service until 1949, resigning upon her marriage. Her story reflects the resilience and courage of women in wartime Britain.

‘The Palace of Westminster Home Guards includes men of all occupations, MP.s, clerks and workmen. There are also a few women auxiliaries who work on communications and are expert shots.’

– Anonymous, 1944

Detail from Palace of Westminster Home Guard, 1944, Parliamentary Archives, HC/CL/CH/3/10 

A black and white photograph of a group of people gathered on a terrace/patio. The caption reads 'The staff of the official report, 2nd June 1947. There are 21 men and two women in the photo. Two other men have been added by smaller photos of them having been stuck onto the photo. They wear suits or dresses. Beneath the caption is a range of signatures.

Jean Winder 

In January 1944, Jean Winder (1909-2006) was the first woman to become a permanent Hansard reporter in the House of Commons. Hansard is the Official Report of what MPs say in Parliament: ‘the record of Parliament in action’. Winder is one of the staff that ensured Hansard’s uninterrupted publication during the Second World War. Hansard was described at the time as ‘the practical expression of the democratic ideals for which we are fighting.’ 

Being a Hansard reporter was a reserved occupation at the start of the war. In 1943, those restrictions lifted and four reporters joined the armed forces. Hansard’s editor, Percy Cole, said, ‘The only reason why I thought of appointing a woman was that I was unable to find a man’.  Winder fought a long battle to be paid the same as her male colleagues. She was helped by the Equal Pay Campaign Committee and women MPs such as Edith Summerskill and Irene Ward. She eventually succeeded in 1954 and worked at Hansard until 1960.

The Staff of the Official Report, 2 June 1947, by an unknown photographer. ©Unknown, Parliamentary Art Collection WOA 1512. All reasonable efforts have been made to find the copyright holders. If you have any information pertaining to this, please contact Heritage Collections.

A detail of the photograph described on the previous slide. In the centre, an adult white woman stands wearing a short sleeve patterned dress. She is looking downwards, with short dark hair combed back. She is surrounded by several men who are wearing suits.

Jean was known for her talent at using shorthand, a technique for taking notes quickly by hand.

‘[Jean Winder] could cope with any regional accent and every style of oratory, from Churchill to Bevan, and she worked without recorders or stenographic machines. Nor were concessions made to her because she was a woman. She worked the same gruelling hours as her male colleagues.’

– The Times, 9 February 2006

Detail from The Staff of the Official Report, 2 June 1947, by an unknown photographer. ©Unknown, Parliamentary Art Collection WOA 1512. All reasonable efforts have been made to find the copyright holders. If you have any information pertaining to this, please contact Heritage Collections.

Painting of a white man wearing ceremonial attire. The painting is full lenght, showing the black and gold robes and whie ruffle at the next. The man holds a black hat in one hand, and grasps his jacket in the other. He is wearing a long, grey wig styled in tight horizontal coils. Behind him, there is a stone building which is partially damaged. Sunbeams are filtering in around the figure.

Speaker Douglas Clifton Brown 

Elected Speaker of the House of Commons in March 1943, Colonel Clifton Brown (1879–1958) was a respected and unifying figure. He was elected a week after the sudden death of his predecessor, Captain Edward Fitzroy. He guided the House through the war’s final years and oversaw the reconstruction of the House of Commons Chamber. 

Shortly after becoming Speaker, Clifton Brown shared three ambitions for his time in office. The first, to lead the House of Commons into St Margaret’s Church at the end of the war; the second, to sit in the Speaker’s Chair in the re-built Chamber; the third, to turn on the Ayrton light at the top of the Elizabeth Tower, symbolising the end of the blackouts. He fulfilled all three. His official portrait places him in front of the ‘Churchill Arch,’ built from bomb-damaged masonry as a tribute to Westminster’s wartime ordeal. This backdrop symbolizes Clifton Brown’s leadership during Britain’s darkest hours and his role in shaping the new Commons Chamber, which opened in 1950. 

Col. The Rt. Hon. Douglas Clifton Brown Viscount Ruffside 1879-1958 Speaker. Sir William Oliphant Hutchison RSA, painter, 1953 | WOA 3228. © The Family of the Artist 

Painting of a white man wearing ceremonial attire. The painting is full lenght, showing the black and gold robes and whie ruffle at the next. The man holds a black hat in one hand, and grasps his jacket in the other. He is wearing a long, grey wig styled in tight horizontal coils. Behind him, there is a stone building which is partially damaged. Sunbeams are filtering in around the figure.

‘For five years, seven months, and 23 days this light has now been extinguished, … I pray that with God’s blessing this light may shine not only as an outward and visible sign that the Parliament of a free people is assembled in free debate, but also as a beacon of fresh hope in a sadly torn and distracted world.’ 

– Clifton Brown, The Times, 25 April 1945

Col. The Rt. Hon. Douglas Clifton Brown Viscount Ruffside 1879-1958 Speaker. Sir William Oliphant Hutchison RSA, painter, 1953 | WOA 3228. © The Family of the Artist