Antony Armstrong-Jones: Exploring The Legacy Of A Legendary Photographer

Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, was a British photographer and filmmaker. He was married to Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, from 1960 to 1978.

Armstrong-Jones was born in London in 1930. He studied photography at the Central School of Arts and Crafts and began his career as a fashion photographer. In 1957, he met Princess Margaret at a dinner party and they began a relationship. They married in 1960, and Armstrong-Jones was created Earl of Snowdon in 1961.

Armstrong-Jones and Princess Margaret had two children, David and Sarah. The couple divorced in 1978, and Armstrong-Jones married Lucy Lindsay-Hogg in 1978. He died in 2017 at the age of 86.

Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon

Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, was a British photographer and filmmaker. He was married to Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, from 1960 to 1978.

• Photographer
• Filmmaker
• Earl of Snowdon
• Husband of Princess Margaret
• Father of David and Sarah
• Member of the Royal Family
• Controversial figure

Armstrong-Jones was a talented photographer and filmmaker. He was also a controversial figure, and his marriage to Princess Margaret was often in the news. However, he was also a devoted husband and father, and he remained close to his children after his divorce from Princess Margaret.

1. Photographer

Antony Armstrong-Jones was a photographer and filmmaker. He was known for his fashion photography, and he also photographed many celebrities and members of the royal family. Armstrong-Jones's work was often praised for its style and elegance, and he was considered one of the leading photographers of his generation.

Armstrong-Jones's photography career began in the 1950s, when he worked as a fashion photographer for Vogue and other magazines. He quickly became known for his stylish and glamorous images, and he soon began to photograph celebrities and members of the royal family. In 1960, he married Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, and he became known as Lord Snowdon.

Snowdon continued to work as a photographer after his marriage, and he produced a number of notable works, including a series of portraits of the royal family. He also directed several films, including the documentary "Don't Count the Candles" (1968) and the feature film "The Last Run" (1971).

Snowdon's work as a photographer was important because it helped to shape the public's image of the royal family. His photographs of the royal family were often intimate and revealing, and they provided a glimpse into the private lives of the royals. Snowdon's work also helped to popularize fashion photography, and he was one of the first photographers to use color photography in his work.

2. Filmmaker

Antony Armstrong-Jones was a filmmaker as well as a photographer. He directed several films, including the documentary "Don't Count the Candles" (1968) and the feature film "The Last Run" (1971). Snowdon's work as a filmmaker was significant because it allowed him to explore his creativity in a new medium. He was able to use his skills as a photographer to create visually stunning films that explored important social and political issues.

Snowdon's film "Don't Count the Candles" was a documentary about the life of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. The film was praised for its intimate and revealing portrait of the Queen Mother, and it won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Snowdon's film "The Last Run" was a drama about a group of British soldiers who are sent to fight in the Boer War. The film was praised for its realistic depiction of the war, and it was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.

Snowdon's work as a filmmaker was important because it helped to raise awareness of important social and political issues. His films were often critical of the British establishment, and they helped to challenge the status quo. Snowdon's work as a filmmaker is still relevant today, and his films continue to be watched and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

3. Earl of Snowdon

Antony Armstrong-Jones was created Earl of Snowdon in 1961, upon his marriage to Princess Margaret. The title Earl of Snowdon is a hereditary peerage in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. It was created in 1961 for Antony Armstrong-Jones, the husband of Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II.

• Title
  The title Earl of Snowdon is a hereditary peerage, meaning that it can be passed down from father to son. The current Earl of Snowdon is David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon, who succeeded his father in 2017.
• Role
  The Earl of Snowdon is a member of the House of Lords, the upper house of the British Parliament. He has the right to sit and vote in the House of Lords, and to participate in debates on legislation.
• Examples
  The Earl of Snowdon is one of many hereditary peers in the House of Lords. Other hereditary peers include the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Warwick, and the Viscount Astor.
• Implications
  The title Earl of Snowdon is a symbol of Antony Armstrong-Jones's close relationship with the Royal Family. It is also a reminder of his role as a public figure and a member of the British establishment.

The title Earl of Snowdon is an important part of Antony Armstrong-Jones's identity. It is a symbol of his status and his close relationship with the Royal Family. The title also carries with it certain responsibilities, such as the duty to serve in the House of Lords and to uphold the values of the British monarchy.

4. Husband of Princess Margaret

Antony Armstrong-Jones was the husband of Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II. Their marriage in 1960 was a major social event, and Armstrong-Jones became a prominent figure in British society.

• Royal Consort
  As the husband of a princess, Armstrong-Jones was a royal consort. He accompanied Princess Margaret on official engagements and represented the royal family at events around the world. He was also a patron of many charities and organizations.
• Media Attention
  Armstrong-Jones's marriage to Princess Margaret made him a target of media attention. His every move was scrutinized by the press, and his relationship with Princess Margaret was often the subject of speculation and gossip.
• Controversial Figure
  Armstrong-Jones was a controversial figure. He was often criticized for his flamboyant lifestyle and his close relationships with other women. His marriage to Princess Margaret was also seen by some as a mismatch, as he was a commoner and she was a member of the royal family.
• Later Life
  Armstrong-Jones and Princess Margaret divorced in 1978. He later married Lucy Lindsay-Hogg, and they had two children. Armstrong-Jones died in 2017 at the age of 86.

Armstrong-Jones's marriage to Princess Margaret was a significant event in his life. It made him a public figure and brought him both fame and controversy. However, he was also a talented photographer and filmmaker, and he made a significant contribution to British culture.

5. Father of David and Sarah

Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, was the father of David and Sarah Armstrong-Jones. David was born in 1961 and Sarah was born in 1964. Antony Armstrong-Jones was a famous photographer and filmmaker, and he was also the husband of Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II.

Antony Armstrong-Jones's relationship with his children was complex. He was a loving father, but he was also often absent due to his work and his marriage to Princess Margaret. David and Sarah have both spoken about the challenges of growing up in the public eye and having a famous father. However, they have also said that they have a good relationship with their father and that they are proud of his accomplishments.

The relationship between "Father of David and Sarah" and "Antony Armstrong-Jones" is significant because it shows that even famous and successful people have personal lives and relationships. It is also a reminder that everyone is an individual, and that we should not make assumptions about people based on their public persona.

6. Member of the Royal Family

Antony Armstrong-Jones became a member of the royal family when he married Princess Margaret in 1960. This gave him a unique position in British society, and it had a significant impact on his life and career.

As a member of the royal family, Armstrong-Jones was expected to represent the monarchy at official events and to support the Queen in her duties. He was also given a number of royal patronages, which allowed him to support charities and organizations that were close to his heart.

Being a member of the royal family also brought with it a certain amount of scrutiny and media attention. Armstrong-Jones was often photographed and written about in the press, and his every move was analyzed by the public. This could be a challenge at times, but Armstrong-Jones generally managed to maintain a positive relationship with the media.

Overall, being a member of the royal family was a significant part of Antony Armstrong-Jones's life and career. It gave him a unique platform to make a difference in the world, and it helped to shape him into the man he became.

7. Controversial figure

Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, was a controversial figure. He was often criticized for his flamboyant lifestyle and his close relationships with other women. His marriage to Princess Margaret was also seen by some as a mismatch, as he was a commoner and she was a member of the royal family.

There are a number of reasons why Armstrong-Jones was considered to be a controversial figure. First, he was a public figure who lived a very unconventional life. He was often photographed and written about in the press, and his every move was analyzed by the public. This kind of scrutiny can be difficult for anyone to deal with, but it was particularly challenging for Armstrong-Jones, who was not used to being in the spotlight.

Second, Armstrong-Jones was known for his outspoken personality. He was not afraid to express his opinions, even when they were unpopular. This could be refreshing for some people, but it also made him a target for criticism. His critics often accused him of being arrogant and insensitive.

Despite the controversy that surrounded him, Armstrong-Jones was a talented photographer and filmmaker. He was also a devoted husband and father. He was a complex and fascinating figure, and his life story is a reminder that everyone is more than just their public persona.

Frequently Asked Questions about Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon

Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, was a British photographer, filmmaker, and member of the royal family. He was married to Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, from 1960 to 1978.

Question 1: Who was Antony Armstrong-Jones?

Antony Armstrong-Jones was a British photographer, filmmaker, and member of the royal family. He was married to Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, from 1960 to 1978.

Question 2: What was Antony Armstrong-Jones's profession?

Antony Armstrong-Jones was a photographer and filmmaker. He was known for his fashion photography, and he also photographed many celebrities and members of the royal family.

Question 3: How did Antony Armstrong-Jones become a member of the royal family?

Antony Armstrong-Jones became a member of the royal family when he married Princess Margaret in 1960.

Question 4: Why was Antony Armstrong-Jones a controversial figure?

Antony Armstrong-Jones was a controversial figure because of his flamboyant lifestyle and his close relationships with other women. His marriage to Princess Margaret was also seen by some as a mismatch, as he was a commoner and she was a member of the royal family.

Question 5: What was Antony Armstrong-Jones's relationship with Princess Margaret like?

Antony Armstrong-Jones's relationship with Princess Margaret was complex. They were married for 18 years, but their marriage was often strained by infidelity and public scrutiny.

Question 6: What is Antony Armstrong-Jones's legacy?

Antony Armstrong-Jones is remembered as a talented photographer and filmmaker. He was also a controversial figure, but he was also a devoted husband and father.

Summary of key takeaways or final thought:

Antony Armstrong-Jones was a complex and fascinating figure. He was a talented photographer and filmmaker, and he was also a member of the royal family. His life was full of both triumphs and scandals, but he remained a devoted husband and father throughout it all.

Transition to the next article section:

Antony Armstrong-Jones's life and career are a reminder that everyone is more than just their public persona. We should all strive to be kind and understanding, even to those who are different from us.

Photography Tips by Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon

Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, was a renowned British photographer known for his fashion photography and portraits of celebrities and royalty. Here are some photography tips inspired by his work:

Tip 1: Pay attention to composition.

Snowdon was a master of composition, and his photographs often feature carefully arranged elements that create a sense of balance and harmony. When composing your shots, consider the placement of your subject, the background, and the use of negative space.

Tip 2: Use natural light.

Snowdon preferred to use natural light in his photography, as it creates a more flattering and realistic look. If you're shooting indoors, try to position your subject near a window or other natural light source. If you're shooting outdoors, take advantage of the golden hour, which is the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset when the light is warm and diffused.

Tip 3: Get close to your subject.

Snowdon's portraits often feature his subjects up close, which allows the viewer to connect with them on a more personal level. When photographing people, don't be afraid to get close and capture their expressions and emotions.

Tip 4: Experiment with different angles.

Snowdon was known for his creative use of angles in his photography. Don't be afraid to experiment with different angles to find the most flattering or interesting perspective for your subject.

Tip 5: Use props and accessories.

Snowdon often used props and accessories in his photographs to add interest and personality. For example, he might give his subjects a flower to hold or have them wear a hat. When using props and accessories, be sure to choose items that complement your subject and the overall tone of the photograph.

Summary of key takeaways or benefits:

By following these tips, you can improve your photography skills and take more creative and visually appealing photographs.

Transition to the article's conclusion:

Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, was one of the most influential photographers of his time. His work continues to inspire photographers today. By following his tips, you can learn to take better photographs and capture the world around you in a more creative and beautiful way.

Conclusion

Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, was a complex and fascinating figure. He was a talented photographer and filmmaker, a member of the royal family, and a controversial figure. His life and career are a reminder that everyone is more than just their public persona.

Snowdon's work as a photographer and filmmaker is a valuable contribution to British culture. His photographs captured the glamour and excitement of the 1960s and 1970s, and his films explored important social and political issues. Snowdon was also a pioneer in the use of color photography, and his work helped to change the way that people thought about photography.

Snowdon's life was also full of personal challenges. His marriage to Princess Margaret was often strained, and he was the subject of much media scrutiny. However, Snowdon remained a devoted husband and father, and he was always proud of his work.Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, was a complex and contradictory figure. He was a talented artist, a member of the royal family, and a controversial figure. However, he was also a devoted husband and father, and he always remained true to himself.