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Artwork

Sir John Gielgud as Sir Sydney Cockerell in 'The Best of Friends' by Hugh Whitemore

Simon Redington , 1988

Sir John Gielgud as Sir Sydney Cockerell in 'The Best of Friends' by Hugh Whitemore, by Simon Redington, paint, 1988
Sir John Gielgud as Sir Sydney Cockerell in 'The Best of Friends' by Hugh Whitemore, by Simon Redington, paint, 1988

Sir John Gielgud as Sir Sydney Cockerell in 'The Best of Friends' by Hugh Whitemore is a paint painting by the Contemporary Realist artist Simon Redington. It dates from 1988 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This oil on canvas painting portrays Sir John Gielgud in character as Sir Sydney Cockerell from the play 'The Best of Friends' by Hugh Whitemore, capturing a moment of contemplation.

Subject & Meaning

Depicting Gielgud as Cockerell, the painting conveys a sense of introspection. The subject is shown seated in a study, surrounded by books and writing tools, suggesting a figure immersed in literary or scholarly pursuits.

Technique & Style

Executed on a white ground over a fine twill weave canvas, the painting's style evokes a traditional, intimate approach to portraiture, emphasizing the warmth and comfort of the subject's surroundings.

History & Provenance

Commissioned by Michael Redington, the painting was later donated by Gielgud himself to the Theatre Museum in 1989, reflecting the connections between the artwork, its subject, and the theatrical community.

Portret (Constantin Lahovari, fost președinte al societății Ileana?)
Portret (Constantin Lahovari, fost președinte al societății Ileana?), Oskar Szuhanek

Artist & collection

Artist

Simon Redington

Simon Redington spent his life painting the people around him, actors on breaks, friends in borrowed light, so the portraits feel like someone’s cousin you’ve just met.

VISUALLY SIMILAR

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Sir John Gielgud as Sir Sydney Cockerell in 'The Best of Friends' by Hugh Whitemore?

Sir John Gielgud as Sir Sydney Cockerell in 'The Best of Friends' by Hugh Whitemore was painted by Simon Redington in 1988.

Where can I see Sir John Gielgud as Sir Sydney Cockerell in 'The Best of Friends' by Hugh Whitemore?

Sir John Gielgud as Sir Sydney Cockerell in 'The Best of Friends' by Hugh Whitemore is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Sir John Gielgud as Sir Sydney Cockerell in 'The Best of Friends' by Hugh Whitemore?

Sir John Gielgud as Sir Sydney Cockerell in 'The Best of Friends' by Hugh Whitemore is associated with Contemporary Realism.