# Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon

> Welsh photographer and filmmaker (1930-2017); ex-husband of Princess Margaret

**Wikidata**: [Q335260](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q335260)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antony_Armstrong-Jones,_1st_Earl_of_Snowdon)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/antony-armstrong-jones-1st-earl-of-snowdon

## Summary
Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, was a Welsh photographer, filmmaker, and designer renowned for his contributions to portrait photography and documentary film. As the ex-husband of Princess Margaret, he held the title of Earl of Snowdon and was a member of the British aristocracy. His work spanned multiple creative fields, leaving a lasting impact on both the arts and royal history.

## Biography
- **Born**: March 7, 1930
- **Nationality**: Welsh
- **Education**: Attended Eton College and Jesus College, Cambridge
- **Known for**: Portrait photography, documentary filmmaking, and design
- **Employer(s)**: Royal College of Art (as a lecturer), various film and photography projects
- **Field(s)**: Photography, film direction, design

## Contributions
- **Photography**: Armstrong-Jones was celebrated for his portrait photography, capturing notable figures such as Queen Elizabeth II and David Bowie. His work was featured in exhibitions and publications, including *The Queen* (1961).
- **Film Direction**: He directed documentaries, including *Only Royal* (1969), which offered a behind-the-scenes look at the Royal Family.
- **Design**: Armstrong-Jones contributed to design projects, including the redesign of the Covent Garden Opera House.
- **Awards**: Recipient of the Lucie Award and appointed Royal Designer for Industry.

## FAQs
**What was Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon known for?**  
He was a prominent photographer, filmmaker, and designer, recognized for his portrait work and documentaries, as well as his marriage to Princess Margaret.

**Where did Antony Armstrong-Jones study?**  
He attended Eton College and Jesus College, Cambridge.

**What titles did he hold?**  
He was the 1st Earl of Snowdon, a title granted upon his marriage to Princess Margaret.

**What were his notable works?**  
His photographic portraits of the Royal Family and public figures, as well as documentaries like *Only Royal*.

## Why They Matter
Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, significantly influenced British photography and film, blending artistic innovation with royal connections. His portraits humanized the monarchy, while his documentaries provided intimate glimpses into royal life. As a designer, he contributed to cultural institutions, and his aristocratic title underscored his unique position at the intersection of art and nobility. His legacy endures through his body of work and the institutions he supported.

## Notable For
- **Awards**: Lucie Award, Royal Designer for Industry
- **Royal Connections**: Ex-husband of Princess Margaret, 1st Earl of Snowdon
- **Artistic Contributions**: Renowned portrait photographer, documentary filmmaker, and designer
- **Educational Affiliations**: Lecturer at the Royal College of Art

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Antony Charles Robert Armstrong-Jones was born on March 7, 1930, into a Welsh family. He attended Eton College and later studied at Jesus College, Cambridge, though he left without graduating. His early life laid the foundation for his future careers in the arts.

### Career in Photography and Film
Armstrong-Jones established himself as a leading photographer, known for his candid and insightful portraits of celebrities and royals. His work was published in *The Queen* (1961), showcasing his ability to capture the essence of his subjects. In film, he directed documentaries such as *Only Royal* (1969), which provided unprecedented access to the Royal Family’s private life.

### Design and Royal Title
Beyond photography and film, Armstrong-Jones contributed to design projects, including the renovation of the Covent Garden Opera House. His marriage to Princess Margaret in 1960 granted him the title of Earl of Snowdon, solidifying his place in British aristocracy. Though the couple divorced in 1978, the title remained a defining aspect of his identity.

### Legacy and Impact
Armstrong-Jones’s work redefined royal portraiture, introducing a modern and intimate style that contrasted with traditional formal photography. His documentaries demystified the monarchy, offering the public a closer look at royal life. As a designer and lecturer at the Royal College of Art, he influenced generations of artists and creatives. His death on January 13, 2017, marked the end of an era for a figure who bridged the worlds of art, film, and royalty.

## References

1. [Lord Snowdon obituary. TheGuardian.com. 2017](https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jan/13/lord-snowdon-obituary)
2. RKDartists
3. [Lord Snowdon dies aged 86. BBC News Online. 2017](http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-38611497)
4. Source
5. The Peerage
6. Czech National Authority Database
7. The Fine Art Archive
8. [Charlie Chaplin](https://www.stedelijk.nl/nl/collectie/43285-tony-snowdon-charlie-chaplin)
9. [Source](https://www.thersa.org/about/royal-designers-for-industry/past-royal-designers-for-industry)
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. CiNii Research
12. MusicBrainz
13. IMDb
14. Snowdon (Lord). RKDartists
15. SNAC
16. Find a Grave
17. Luminous-Lint
18. Discogs
19. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
20. BnF authorities
21. Artists of the World Online
22. Genealogics
23. Munzinger Personen
24. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
25. National Portrait Gallery
26. BBC Things
27. archINFORM
28. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiarch.php)
29. LIBRIS. 2008
30. [Antony Charles Robert Armstrong-Jones](https://www.studiomuseum.org/artists/antony-charles-robert-armstrong-jones)
31. [[Portraits of Sybille Bedford and Mrs. Huntingdon] - Wallach Prints and Photos. 2021](https://web.archive.org/web/http://wallachprintsandphotos.nypl.org/catalog/41602)