J.B. Priestley
- Artist: Maurice Lambert
- Date: 1948
- Medium: bronze
- Dimensions: 16 3/8 in. x 8 7/8 in. (415 mm x 225 mm) overall
- Portrays: John Boynton ('J.B.') Priestley
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
In this bronze bust, Maurice Lambert captured John Boynton “J.B.” Priestley in 1948. The sculpture measures about 16 inches tall and 9 inches wide, a modest size that invites close inspection of the head and shoulders. The polished bronze catches light on the features: a slightly protruding nose, a weighty under‑lip, and a thoughtful gaze that hints at Priestley’s reputation as a “grumbler” in his own words.
Priestley came from a working‑class background but became one of Britain’s most popular novelists in the 1920s and 1930s. He was also a cultural voice on the left, presenting the BBC radio show *Postscripts* during World War II and writing plays such as *An Inspector Calls*. Lambert, who produced five portraits in his career, chose this subject to highlight Priestley’s literary presence and political engagement.
See it in person
J.B. Priestley is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
