Did E. H. Gombrich ever imagine that his Hampstead home would become a landmark? Here at 19 Briardale Gardens, the E. H. Gombrich Blue Plaque commemorates the life and work of the renowned art historian. The plaque, installed in 2015, clearly states, “E. H. Gombrich (1909–2001) Art Historian lived here 1952–2001”. Gombrich, author of “The Story of Art,” resided in this very house for nearly half a century. This book, a global bestseller translated into 34 languages, has sold over six million copies and introduced generations to the world of art history. Born in Vienna in 1909, Gombrich eventually found refuge in London in 1936. He joined the Warburg Institute, later becoming its director. During World War II, his expertise proved invaluable to the BBC, where he translated German broadcasts. It was Gombrich who first relayed the news of Hitler’s death to Winston Churchill. After the war, Gombrich’s scholarship flourished. He held prestigious positions at Oxford, Cambridge, and the Royal College of Art. He also continued to write, cementing his place as a leading figure in art history. The E. H. Gombrich Blue Plaque serves as a reminder of his enduring legacy. It’s a testament to a man who made art history accessible to millions. He demystified the subject. He challenged conventional thinking and encouraged new perspectives. His influence continues to shape how we understand and appreciate art.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to