Historical Figures

Discover the individuals who changed history and paved the way for modern day life with SuperStock's Historical Figures gallery. Uncover rarely seen photos of iconic figures that you won't find in history books. From the Founding Fathers of the United States to influential scientists, artists, and activists, explore a collection...Read more

Professor J. Robert Oppenheimer, the distinguished physicist and atomic authority, and Director of the Institute for advanced Study at Princeton, New Jersey. who is giving the BBC series of Reith Lectures for 1953 on the sub. ***** and the Common Understanding.The lectures, which began on 15 Gloverber, are broadcast weekly in the BBC Fame Service, and recordings will he heard later in the Third Programme and General Overseas Service. November 11, 1953.

Martin Luther King, Jr., leaning on Lectern during Press Conference, Washington, DC USA, Marion S. Trikosko, U.S. News & World Report Magazine Photograph Collection, March 26, 1964

Soviet Politicians: Nikolai Michailivich Shvernik.A candidate for membership of the Presidium of the Central Committee of the U.S.S.R. March 16, 1955. (Photo by Camera Press).

Another Visitor From The "Friendly Isles".Crown Prince Tungi of Tonga, eldest son of smiling Queen Salote, who completely captivated all who saw her when she was in this country for the coronation, is at present on a private visit to England. This morning Prince Tungi called at the Colonial office in West minister. Photo shows: Crown Prince Tungi of Tonga seen arriving at the Colonial office for his visit this morning. April 06, 1955. (Photo by Fox Photos)

King Leopold of Belgium. August 6, 1945.

Korea V.C. Home -- Private Bill Speakman with the coconut he brought home from Korea for his kid brother Bert.Private William Speakman, who was awarded the Victoria Cross in Korea, was greeted by the Mayor of his home town Altrincham, Cheshire, when he arrived from the Far East at Lyneham Airport to-day. January 29, 1952. (Photo by Daily Mail Contract Picture).

Alexander Sverjensky. May 07, 1943.

Sir Henry Watson Watson Parker. May 04, 1936.

Admiral Sankichi Takahashi, Commander-in-Chief of the Combined fleets. October 25, 1936. (Photo by The Domei News Photos Service).

Fourth Soviet Women's Anti-Fascist Meeting -- The fourth Soviet Women's Anti-Fascist Meeting took place on August 20, 1944 at the Chaikovsky Concert Hall in Moscow. Above, Podporucik Anna Madalinska of the Polish Army addresses the meeting. September 3, 1951. (Photo by M. Ozersky).

Major Japanese War Criminals on Trial in Tokyo -- Minami, Jiro, former General and member of the privy council from 1942 to 1945. War minister in 1931 and commander in chief of the Kawantung army from 1943 to 1936, is on trial at the international military tribunal for the east, Tokyo, Japan. June 19, 1947. (Photo by Skinner, U.S. Army Signal Corps).

Princess Ingrid Of Sweden.Princess Ingrid celebrated her 21st birthday on March 28th 1931.Photo an Official birthday portrait just released for Publication. July 17, 1931. (Photo by Central News).

King Frederick IX of Denmark.Born on March 11th,1899, and succeeded to the throne April 20th, 1947, on the death of his father, King Christian X.On May 24th, 1935, he married Princess Ingrid of Sweden; they have three daughters. September 13, 1955. (Photo by Camera Press Ltd).

King Alexander of Yugoslavia. February 11, 1935. (Photo by Kosmos)

Duchess Of Windsor - Portraits - Personality. March 22, 1937.

Marshal Tito Premier of Yugoslavia. December 03, 1949. (Photo by Camera Press).

Sir Roderick Jones, K.B.E. Chairman of Reuters. . July 16, 1930. (Photo by Swaine Studio).

The Sunshine Smile.One huge beam signifies the pleasure of Chief Michael Okorodudu on his arrival at London Airport early to-day (Friday) to take up his post as Western Nigeria's first Commissioner in London.The Chief, 39, is renewing acquaintance with London; he lived here for many years when graduating at King's College, studied botany, read law, and qualified as a barrister. He is a keen cricket, tennis and hockey player.The Chief is to have his residence in Kensington Palace Gardens (Millionaires' How), where his Government have bought the Crown lease of a house. October 15, 1954. (Photo by Reuterphoto).

Engagement to the Princess Ileana -- Portrait of Prince Anton von Habsburg who is engaged to Princess Ileana of Rumania. June 19, 1931.

Anthony Quayle, noted Shakespearian actor and a director of the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, as General Orlofsky in "Oh Rosalinda," the Cinema Scope version of "Die Fledermaus." The film, which stars Michael Redgrave, has just been finished by Associated British. August 21, 1955.

Chairman Sir Henry Tizard, of the Advisory Council ***** scientific policy and of the defence-research ***** arrived at Fremantle in the orion on November 9. ***** Australia to study National purposes scientific ***** Industrial Development. November 17, 1948.

Africa Speaks In Manchester -- The Nigerian Trade Unionist - Chief A. S. Coker, represents unions with membership of half a million workers. He demands full franchise for the black worker. August 1, 1950. (Photo by Paul Popper).

A scene from the 20th Century-Fox production "This Above All".It used to be the Aubrey ***** who played the benevolent old English father now its Henry Stephenson. He ***** "This above all 20th century-fox. October 27, 1947.

Photo: Prince Kund, who is 30 years of age.Royal Betrothal.Prince Knud, the younger son of king Christian of Denmark, has Formally announced his engagement to his cousin Princess Caroline. March 13, 1933. (Photo by Central News).

Herbert H. Lehman Hon. Chmn... Council of UNRRA. May 25, 1948.

The Halfway Mark. (Fifth of Ten) - Finland's gift to the Twentieth Century is composer Jan Sibelius, posterity may not rank him as the greatest man in music in these past fifth years, but he will certainly be close to the top.Finland's national composer Jean Sibelius, celebrated his 88th birthday quietly at home yesterday. February 12, 1949. (Photo by ACME).

Captain Sir David Luce, R.N. -- Naval Secretary to the First Lord of the Admiralty, from August, 1954. August 09, 1954. (Photo by Bassano, Camera Press).

Hannen Swaffer, British Journalist. February 27, 1952. (Photo by Camera Press).

New U.S. Ambassador Takes Up His Duties.Mr.Joseph Kennedy at work at his desk in the American Embassy today.Mr. Joseph Kennedy, the new U.S.A. Ambassador to Britain who arrived in England late last night, started work at the Embassy this morning. March 2, 1938. (Photo by Keystone).

King Christian - Foreign Royalty - Denmark. May 1, 1935.

John Loder. G-B-D Player. December 01, 1937.

Mr. Tadakatsu Suzuki, a former Japanese Ambassador to Australia, yesterday urged Australia and Japan to establish "neighbourhood relationship" on a solid foundation.Mr. Tadakatsu Suzuki, Ambassador to Australia, will be appointed Ambassador to Italy, the Japanese Foreign Office said yesterday.Mr Suzuki has been Ambassador to Australia since June, 1955.Japanese newspapers say his successor will be Mr. katsuhiro Narito, now Ambassafor Pakistan. July 29, 1955. (Photo by A.A.P.-Reuter).

"Rear Window" A Paramount Release. August 24, 1955.

Queen of the Belgium killed accidentally. June 19, 1935.

Had Air Contract With Elliott Roosevelt -- The Senate Munitions committee tonight made Public what it said was an Affidavit by Anthony H.S. Fokker, Former German Airplane Manufacturer (above), stating he had signed a Contract in 1934 to give Elliott Roosevelt, son of the President, A Commission of $500,000 In Connection with the Sale of Military Airplanes to Russia. October 01, 1936. (Photo by Minneapolis Journal Library).

Mr. Henry Perdrian - (Founder Of Perdriau Co. Ltd. - Personality. February 24, 1935.

Sparkman, John Jackson...One of two Congressional Delegates from the United States to the Fifth General Session of the United Nations, opening at Lake Success, New York, September 19. Senator Sparkman is an attorney who first served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and was elected to the U.S. Senator from the States of Alabama. March 22, 1951.

Annie Oakley toured Europe and the USA with Buffalo Bill's Congress of Rough Riders. January 12, 1955. (Photo by International News Photos).

Herbert Lom as he appears in The Dark Power at Tatler Theatre 30 May. June 1, 1947.

Basil Spence, O.B.E. Architect -- He planned the winning design for the new Coventry Cathedral; he designed the Sea and Ships Pavillion for the Festival of Britain, 1951, and was adviser to the Board of Trade for British Industries Fair, 1947-1949. March 14, 1952. (Photo by Camera Press).

Africa Speaks In Manchester -- The Founder of Pan Africanism - Dr. Du Bois is the head of the American Negro association. He opposed the extremist idea of a new "nationalism of color." August 1, 1950. (Photo by Paul Popper).

H. G. Raymond St. Albans Stud, Victoria. April 3, 1948.

Europas jungster Konig.Neueste Aufnahme des jungen King Peter II von Jugoslawien in seiner traditionellen Furstentracht seiner Vor fahren. July 29, 1935.

Albania's Beautiful Queen - New Picture.A new picture, just received from Albania, of Queen Geraldine, beautiful young wife of King Zog of Albania.Before her marriage to the King in April last year, the Queen was Countess Geraldine Apponyi, a Hungarian.Ex-Queen Geraldine, of Albania, as she was when she wore the diamond which attracted a Gaiety Girl. March 20, 1939.

Sammy Davis Jr. featured with Will Mastin TrioSammy Davis, Jr., appears with the Will Mastin trio on the vaudeville show opening today at the Palomar. October 10, 1949. (Photo by Capitol Recording Artist).

Advocate of 'San Babies" Arrifes on England -- Mrs. Margaret Sanger Slee, bearding the Airport bus at Heathrow, London, on her arrival by air from the U.S.A.Mrs. Margaret Sanger Slee, international advocate of planned parenthood, has just arrived at Peathrow Airport, London the U.S.A. by plane. Mrs. Slee says than parents should in bring babies into the world, unless they were sure that the would be well fed. Mrs. Margaret Sanger Slee is a attend a Family Planning Conference at Oxford, England, this month. July 01, 1947. (Photo by Fox Photos).

Colonel Charles Sweeney. August 25, 1952. (Photo by British Official Photograph).

Martha Raye - American Screen and Television Comedienne -- She made her first film in 1936; at present appearing in her own show on television. July 8, 1955. (Photo by Camera Press).

Amelia Earhart and her husband George Palmer Putnam posing together at an outdoor event.Putnam-No.8. March 04, 1938.

George London, the Metropolitan Opera's new bass-baritone4 chooses hand-blocked leopard-print cummerbund, tie; Brooke Cadwallader. April 20, 1953.

Pablo Casals Rehearses With The London Philharmonic Orchestra.Pablo Casals, the world famous cellist pictured this morning (Tuesday) conducting his first rehearsal with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, at the Royal Festival Hall, London.He was preparing the Orchestra for the performance of his own oratorio, El Pessebre (The Manger), being given at the Royal Festival Hall next Sunday, September 29.At this morning's rehearsal he met Sir Adrian Boult, who is known as the 'father' of the London Philharmonic. September 24, 1953. (Photo by Reuterphoto).

The Man Who Never Went Alone - Prince Solomon Akenzua.Owner of the friendly grin is 6ft. Prince Soloman Akenzua, 26, heir to the coral crown and throne of Benin, Nigeria. The prince, who will succeed his father as ruler of 7,000,000 people, is studying law at Cambridge. January 09, 1950. (Photo by Daily Mirror).

Robert Frost - American Poet. May 1, 1950.

Date to see Vaudeville -- Singing star Frank Sinatra and actress Ava Gardner smile for photographers as they attended the two-a-day at the palace theatre tonight. waiting for his final Nevada decree from his wife, Nancy, Sinatra and the Glamorous actress are expected to wed when he's free. October 29, 1951. (Photo by Herbie Scharfman, International News Photos).

Syngman Rhee, President of the Republic of Korea. August 01, 1954. (Photo by Horace Bristol, Camera Press).

Benn Levy. M.B.E. - British Dramatist. August 29, 1953. (Photo by Camera Press).

An Intimate Picture Of Thomas Alva Edison On His 83rd Birthday.A pictorial closeup of Thomas Alva Edison, aged Wuzard of invention, made at his winter home at fort myers, on Tuesday Feb. 11th, when Mr. Edison was receiving world-wide felicitations on the occasion of his eighty-third birthday. April 1, 1930. (Photo by International Newsreel Photo).

Mr. J. Tait, managing director of J. C. Williamson Theatres Ltd., who returned from a trip to London and New York in the Aorangi today. December 14, 1948.

Swedish King to Visit England: on June 28th The Swedish Royal Couple, his Majesty King Gustaf VI Adolf and Queen Louise, are Arriving in England for A State Visit. Photo Shows: his Majesty King Gustaf VI Adolf. June 07, 1954.(Photo by Paul Popper, Paul Popper Ltd)

Pope's Role ReversedPope Pius XII. For Italian politicians today the Papacy is now a pillar. April 11, 1955. (Photo by Reuterphoto).

Italy's smart light-weight champion, Duilio Loi (pictured), defends his European title next Saturday against Felix Chiocca, of France.It will be in Italy, of course in Milan.Loi has never fought outside his own country though rated second lightweight in the world.European lightweight champion, Italian Duilio Loi, photographed on arrival in Sydney by Qantas Constellation today. He is matched to fight Ivor Germaine in Melbourne in about three weeks. It is then planned to match him with Australian champion Pat Forde, in Sydney. October 25, 1954.

Lodge in South Africa, when postage was a half-penny and beer nearly as cheap. April 28, 1950.

King Gustaf Adolf & Queen Louise Sweden Foreign Royalty. June 09, 1954.

Bell Boxes Opened by Smithsonian Institute three boxes which Alexander Graham Bell and two Associates Placed in the Secret Archives of the Smith-Sonian Institute in Washington in 1881, and which have remained Un-Opened since, were Formally Opened There Oct. 27th, in the Presence of Bell's two Daughters and A Group of Scientists. the cases contained among other things the original working model of the first Machine ever to record on wax and reproduce the Human voice. The Machine was invented by Charles Sumner Tainter, and Chichester Bell, a cousin of Alexander Graham Bell, Assisted and Counseled by Alexander Graham Bell. October 28, 1937. (Photo by ACME).

Special Announcement Brilliant International Pianist To Tour Australia This Year For A.B.C. -- A Brilliant addition to the A.B.C.'s line-up of celebrity artists already announced to visit Australia this year is the Hungarian-born virtuoso pianist Gyorgy Sandor. He will tour from July to October, giving recitals and appearing with Symphony Orchestras.Announcing this yesterday, the General Manager of the A.B.C. (Mr. Charles Moses) said that Sandor had been strongly recommended to the A.B.C. by Otto Klemperer who conducted for him recently in London. January 11, 1950.

U.S. Ambassador To Ireland; William Howard Taft III -- Son of Senator Robert Taft of Ohio. May 1, 1953. (Photo by Camera Press).

Betty Suttor. October 28, 1955.

Chiang Kai Shek (Chinese General). November 01, 1937. (Photo by International News Photos)

Mark Twain's Relatives In Fredonia, N.Y...At the left is Mark's Mother, Mrs. Jane Clemens, and at the right his Sister, Mrs. Pamela Moffett...Completing the 4-Generation Group are Mrs. Annie Wester, daughter of Mrs. ***** Fett, and Little Alice Webster, who Became the Author "Daddy Long Legs" and Other Books. September 25, 1951.

Mr. A.S. Luchetti. January 01, 1931.

The Dowager Marchioness of Reading G.B.E. August 30, 1947.

King of The Wild Men.He has fine manners and wears beautiful clothes. He was brought up in the country William Wallace of Albania fought with his sisters. Only on rare occasions arrive the Palace grounds. August 18, 1935.

Mr. Winston Churchill As Air Commodore -- Mr. Winston Churchill getting out of the plane on arrival at Kenley today.Mr. Winston Churchill has been appointed honorary Air Commodore of No. 615 (County of Surrey) Squadron, Auxiliary Air Force, and in the capacity he flew to the Royal Air Force Station At Kenley today for a tour of inspection. April 16, 1939. (Photo by Keystone).

Clementine Hozier at her wedding. June 25, 1953.

Mattern Jimmie. August 01, 1933. (Photo by Journal, Minneapolis Star Library).

Horses - Movie - Easter -- son of Trigger, Roy Rogers horse. May 05, 1952.

Duke Of Windsor As Prince Of Wales - British Royalty. November 05, 1931.

Greek Politicians: Stephanos Stephanopoulos -- Minister for Foreign Affairs. June 14, 1955. (Photo by Camera Press)

King Gustav of Sweden: Recent Portrait of King Gustav V of Sweden, 90-year-old Monarch. Although he Can No Longer Play his Favorite Game, Tennis, he Still Travels About, and Has Recently Been in France. June 21, 1948. (Photo by Pictorial Press)

Fourteen years ago, Professor Fleming of the ***** of Bacteriology at London University discovered that the mold Penicillium Notatum produced a substance with great anti-bacterial properties. In 1936 professor Florey. Dr. Chain, and the team of scientists at the Sir. William Dunn School of Pathology, Oxford, decided to investigate the properties of substance, had proved by laboratory and clinical trials that it was non-poisonous and able to prevent the growth of many ***** and to cure a ***** of serious disease. Arrangements were rapidly made for both British and U.S manufacturing chemists also produce it, and supplies are now available for further ***** and for the treatment of war wounded. September 4, 1951. (Photo by British Official Photo)

Nancy Davis, Ronald Reagan, Jane Powell. September 01, 1950.

New Speaker -- Rep. Sam Rayburn (D-Tex) Poses with gavel upraised after his election today as speaker of the house of representatives. January 3, 1948. (Photo by AP Wirephoto).

Sir Daniel Levy. June 01, 1936.

Howard Hughes. September 12, 1946. (Photo by Associated Press Wirephoto).

Air Vice-Marshal Sir Victor H. Tait -- Operations Director, B.O.A.C., since 1945; Director of Radar and Director-General of Signals, Air Ministry, 1942-45; he is a Canadian by birth. February 6, 1952. (Photo by Fayer, Camera Press).

Edward Joseph Tait, managing director of J. C. Williamson Ltd., died at his home Buckhurst,” Point Piper, yesterday morning.In true theatre tradition the curtains were raised and the show went on yesterday and last night at the Theatre Royal.It was ‘E.J's’ last wish" said the firm’s general manager Harold Bowden, last night.The legitimate theatre would have died in Sydney during the depression had it not been for ‘E. J’s’ efforts to keep it alive,” Mr. Bowden said. July 13, 1947. (Photo by J.C. Williamson Theatres Ltd.).

Rwang Pam, M.B.E. Chief of Birom.Rwang Pam, M.B.E. Chief of Birom, broadcasting in the British Broadcasting Corporation programme, "Calling West Africa." Rwang Pam was one of a group of Nigerian native administrators who made a tour of Britain under the auspices of the British Council. While they were in England they visited Broadcasting House, London headquarters of the BBC. October 25, 1950. (Photo by British Broadcasting Corporation).

Professor A. Low - Deceased - Personalities. July 25, 1951. (Photo by Camera Press)

Professor Josep Trueta, M.A., M.D., D.Sc., F.R.C.S. -- Nuffield Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Oxford; Hon. Surgeon, Wingfield Morris Orthopaedic Hospital. August 9, 1954. (Photo by Bassano, Camera Press).

Let's go Dancing...To some girls, an invitation of this sort might present problems, but not to Metro-Goldwyn- Mayer's Nancy Davis. For Nancy, who appears opposite James Whitmore in "The Next Voice You Hear ...", not only knows all the latest dances, but has the perfect - dress for each type of dance in her well- rounded wardrobe. Nancy was photographed for these pictures against backgrounds of the Beverly Hills Hotel.A Dreamy Waltz Seems Dreamier Still...when Nancy wears her full-skirted strapless gown of pale lavender nylon. Rhinestones glisten like dewdrops from the violet covered pocket After the dance is over, there's a whisp of a cape to toss around her shoulders. From Peggy Hunt. December 28, 1951. (Photo by G. K. Austin)

J.B. Tait, Q.C., Chairman of Wharf inquiry. November 18, 1954.

Ford Rides In His First Car -- Sitting in the first machine he built (in 1896) is Henry Ford founder of the Ford Motor Co., who is preparing for the celebration of Detroit's automotive golden jubilee, which will honor him and other auto pioneers. Mrs. Ford sits beside him. Standing at right is Henry Ford II, President of Ford Motor Co. May 25, 1946. (Photo by Associated Press Wirephoto).

Cardinal Tien. Archbishop of PekingThomas Tien, created Cardinal in 1946; he was born in Changtsiu in 1890. February 24, 1954. (Photo by Camera Press).

Marlon Brando, re-creates on the screen, his great triumph as Kowlaski, who bullied and tore at Blanche's (Vivian Leigh) neurotic self in Tennessee Williams Pulitzer prize winner, "A Streetcar Named Desire".A Streetcar Named Desire/Marlon Brando portrays Stanley Kowalski in the 1951 production of the Tennessee Williams play.More of the Same : Greer Garson's description of Marlon Brando: "He enters a room with all the unobstrusiveness of a guided missile". October 29, 1954.

Ed "Strangler" Lewis.... his neck was thicker than the average man's thigh. Strangler Lewis who will meet Jack Forsgren at stadium to night. October 18, 1937.

The year 1926 brought Helen Keller's first friend ship with a president of the United States-Calvin Coolidge. She has known every president since then. June 26, 1955.

Cambridge Personalities: Professor Alexander Robertus Todd, F.R.S., M.A. -Professor of Organic Chemistry, Cambridge University; Fellow of Christ's College, Cambridge. Member of Advisory Council on Scientific Policy. October 13, 1952. (Photo by A. Barrington-Brown, Camera Press).

Sir William Leggett, Kt. May 01, 1950.

Death of Archduke Frederic of Hapsburg -- Archdke Frederick of Hapsburg.The Archduke Frederick of Hapsburg died today in Budapest at the age of 80. He had been seriously ill for the last fortnight, but an improvement in his condition led his doctors to announce yesterday that he was recovering. The archduke was Commander-in-chief of the Austro-Hungarian armies when war began in 1914. December 30, 1936. (Photo by Keystone).

Eric Linklater, Novelist and playwright. June 30, 1953. (Photo by John Stephen Orr, Camera Press).

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