Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, was a British photographer, filmmaker, and public figure. He was a member of the British Royal Family, being the husband of Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, and was known for his unique and creative style of photography. His life was one of both public and private success, and he was a celebrated figure in his own right.
Antony Armstrong-Jones: A Historical Overview
Antony Armstrong-Jones was born in 1930 to the wealthy Armstrong-Jones family. He was educated at Eton College, one of the most prestigious schools in England, and went on to study at Cambridge. Armstrong-Jones began his career as a photographer in the 1950s and quickly gained recognition for his unique and creative style of photography. He was known for his use of natural lighting and composition to create stunning images, and his work was featured in several magazines and books.
In 1960, Armstrong-Jones married Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, and was given the title of Earl of Snowdon. He was the first commoner to marry into the British Royal Family since 1736. The couple had two children, David and Sarah.
The Life and Times of Earl of Snowdon
As Earl of Snowdon, Armstrong-Jones had a prominent role in public life. He was appointed to the Board of Governors at the Royal Ballet and was a patron of the Royal Opera House. He was also a trustee of the National Gallery and the Tate Gallery. He was also a keen traveler and often visited exotic locations such as India, Africa, and the Caribbean. Armstrong-Jones also continued his photography work, and his work was exhibited in several galleries.
In 1978, Armstrong-Jones and Princess Margaret divorced, but he remained close to their children. He continued to be a public figure and was frequently featured in the press. He was also involved with several charities, including the National Trust and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, was a celebrated British photographer and public figure. His life was one of both public and private success, and he was a celebrated figure in his own right. He will be remembered for his unique and creative style of photography and his life of public service.
Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1. Earl of Snowdon, was a prominent British photographer known for his society portraiture and for his 30-year marriage to Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon.
Armstrong-Jones, originally styled as Antony Armstrong-Jones, was born on 7 March 1930, the only son of Ronald Armstrong-Jones and Anne Messel, daughter of Lionel Messel. His parents separated shortly after his birth and his mother remarried to the 4th Baron Mering. Armstrong-Jones studied architecture at Cambridge University and become a professional photographer following his graduation. His talent was recognised from an early stage, and he was featured in the Daily Telegraph Magazine, leading to substantial interest from the high society of Great Britain.
His career in photography was bolstered by his marriage to Princess Margaret in 1960; their subsequent marriage receptions were well covered in the press, as with their divorce in 1978. Armstrong-Jones’ considerable talents as a photographer won him a royal appointment in 1961 when Queen Elizabeth II asked him to take pictures of the royal family. That year, Armstrong-Jones was also made Earl of Snowdon, making him the first non-aristocrat in Britain’s modern history to be elevated to the peerage.
Throughout the 1960s, Armstrong-Jones purchased a range of equipment to help him craft his creative vision. He had his own suite of cameras, developed a unique portable giant flash, and created a number of pieces of portable darkroom equipment to enable him to do portraits on location. He also incorporated unusual backgrounds and props in some of his photo shoots, such as colourful fabric and furniture. This helped to create an edgy, modern feel to his work, which was highly appreciated by clients.
Armstrong-Jones’ impressive body of work encapsulates his talent and eye for the refined details of society. His work established a reputation for capturing some of the most influential, glamorous, and extravagant individuals of his time, such as fashion designer Ossie Clark and the Rolling Stones, to name a few.
Due to the remarkable standards set by Armstrong-Jones, photography quickly became one of the most desirable professions amongst Britain’s elite. Even after his death on 13 January 2017, his creative influence on the art world still echoes today.
