John Laurie, 1897 - 1980. Actor
About this artwork
John Laurie began and ended his long and distinguished career as a classical theatre and dramatic film actor by playing comedy roles. This drawing by Coia depicts Laurie’s unmistakable features under the spotlight. Arguably it was his most undemanding role - pessimistic Private Frazer in Dad’s Army, whom he played from 1968-77 – which gained him popular recognition. Laurie described his part in the comedy series as 'playing just a few lines and some of them are very good'. The declaration 'we’re doomed' was uttered by Frazer at any potentially bleak moment. Laurie re-created Frazer’s morose style in his recitations of the poems of William McGonagall.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Emilio Coia (1911 - 1997) Scottish
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title:John Laurie, 1897 - 1980. Actor
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date created:1932
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materials:Black chalk on paper
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measurements:Irregular: 53.00 x 35.00 cm; (framed: 83.00 x 58.00 cm)
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object type:
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credit line:Purchased 1990
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accession number:PG 2803
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gallery:
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depicted:
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subject:
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artwork photographed by:Antonia Reeve
Emilio Coia
Emilio Coia
Glasgow-born Coia studied at Glasgow School of Art where his teacher, Maurice Grieffenhagen, identified his abilities as a caricaturist. After college Coia eloped to London with fellow student, Marie Neale. To begin with, Coia walked the length of Fleet Street trying to sell his caricatures to the...