2432/​220

Lewis Morley (b. Hongkong 1925, d. 2013)

Lewis Morley: “The Story of the Century”. An original b/w press photograph of the English model and showgirl Christine Keeler (1942–2017) posing semi-nude on a copy of an Arne Jacobsen chair. Initially taken in May 1963. Back with agency stamp (Sport & General), 'This picture may not be rented ...'-stamp, stamped publication date (October 27, 1968) as well as handwritten note, 'Profumo Affair'. Double glazing. Visible size 24.5×19 cm. Frame size 31×26 cm.

At a party in the summer of 1961 the young model Christine Keeler met the British Secretary of Defence, John Profumo (1915–20006), with whom she soon after initiated an affair. He did not know, however, that Keeler concurrently was seeing Jevgenij Ivanov, then Soviet military attaché at the London embassy. When news about this piquant Cold War triangle reached the public the result was an outcry, and something that contributed severely to the downfall of the British government in 1964. The chair used in the photograph is today in Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

This lot is subject to Artist's Royalty.
Condition

This is an original b/w press photograph from 1968, which shows stains and scratches. Furthermore normal signs of handling.

Auction

Paintings, furniture and varia, 5 August 2024

Category
Estimate

4,000–6,000 DKK

Sold

Price realised

2,700 DKK  

10 bids

When Bidder Bid
2,700 DKK
(Auto bid) 2,600 DKK
2,600 DKK
(Auto bid) 2,500 DKK
2,500 DKK
2,400 DKK
2,300 DKK
(Auto bid) 2,200 DKK
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2,000 DKK