Antony Armstrong-Jones

Date of Birth: March 7, 1930

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: January 13, 2017

Biography

Antony Charles Robert Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, was a renowned British photographer and filmmaker who gained international fame for his distinctive and innovative portrait work. Born into a family with a strong artistic heritage, he initially trained as an architect before discovering his passion for photography. Armstrong-Jones’s career took off in the 1950s when he began working for major publications such as Vogue and Tatler. In 1960, Armstrong-Jones married Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, which significantly raised his public profile. Despite his royal connections, he maintained a successful independent career, capturing portraits of celebrities, politicians, and members of the British royal family. His work is characterized by its intimate and candid style, which often revealed the personality and humanity of his subjects. Armstrong-Jones was also a champion of design and innovation outside photography. He served as the artistic adviser to The Sunday Times Magazine and co-designed the innovative Aviary at the London Zoo. His contributions to the arts and design were widely recognized, and he was awarded several honors throughout his life.

5 Interesting Facts about Antony Armstrong-Jones

1. Antony Armstrong-Jones was the first commoner in over 400 years to marry a king’s daughter when he wed Princess Margaret.

2. He was created the Earl of Snowdon and Viscount Linley in 1961 by Queen Elizabeth II.

3. Armstrong-Jones was a keen advocate for disabled people, helping to establish the charity Snowdon Trust, which supports students with disabilities.

4. He co-designed the Aviary at the London Zoo, which opened in 1965 and is considered a significant example of modernist architecture.

5. Armstrong-Jones’s photographs are held in prominent collections, including the National Portrait Gallery in London.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Antony Armstrong-Jones

1. “When you photograph people in color, you photograph their clothes. But when you photograph people in black and white, you photograph their souls.”

2. “I liked to get to know the people I photographed. When you know them, you can bring out the best in them.”

3. “Photography is not just a profession; it’s a way of life.”

4. “The essence of a portrait is not the face but the expression of the soul.”

5. “A good photograph is one that communicates a fact, touches the heart, and leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Antony Armstrong-Jones was estimated to be around $20 million.

Children

Antony Armstrong-Jones had five children: 1. David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon (born November 3, 1961) – with Princess Margaret. 2. Lady Sarah Chatto (born May 1, 1964) – with Princess Margaret. 3. Lady Frances von Hofmannsthal (born July 17, 1979) – with Lucy Mary Lindsay-Hogg. 4. Polly Fry (born May 28, 1960) – with Camilla Fry. 5. Jasper Cable-Alexander (born April 30, 1998) – with Melanie Cable-Alexander.