Pietro Annigoni 1910-1988

Pietro Annigoni was born in Milan, Italy. Studied at the Accademia della Belle Arti, Florence. Travelled widely in Europe and his first solo exhibition was in 1932, as a result was widely acclaimed and included in an exhibition of Italian art in Paris in 1935. Annigoni was a founder member of Modern Painters of Reality in 1947-49. From 1950 Annigoni based himself in London for half the year and the rest of the time he travelled. Acquired new fame in 1955 when his classically styled portrait of the young Queen Elizabeth II brought him an instant fame. During the 1950s with a studio in London Annigoni continued painting famous sitters, such as Duke of Edinburgh, Dame Margot Fonteyn and others.Several Italian collections such as in Milan hold examples of his work. Tate Gallery hold a Self Portrait, National Portrait Gallery and University of Leeds also have his work. National Museum of Wales gave Annigoni an exhibition to concide with the Queen Elizabeth's Silver Jubilee year in 1977.