Lord Snowdon

Antony Charles Robert Armstrong-Jones, who later became known as Lord Snowdon, was born on March 7, 1930, in Belgravia, London. He was the only son of the barrister Ronald Armstrong-Jones and his first wife, Anne Messel. His parents divorced when he was quite young, and he was deeply affected by the disruption caused by their separation. Despite a childhood illness that left him with a withered leg, he was determined to live life to the fullest.

On May 6, 1960, Antony Armstrong-Jones married Princess Margaret at Westminster Abbey. The wedding was a significant event, attended by several royal guests and watched by millions on television. He was the first commoner in over 400 years to marry the daughter of a King of England. His title, Earl of Snowdon, was bestowed upon him by Queen Elizabeth II. The marriage marked a notable chapter in royal history.

In 1961, Lord Snowdon began an initiative known as the Snowdon Lieutenancy Reports, aimed at documenting the working conditions of the lower orders. This project highlighted the concerns that deeply affected the working classes in the UK during the 1960s. His efforts were pioneering, providing a voice to those who were often ignored or marginalized and began a dialogue that was very much ahead of its time.

Lord Snowdon published a photographic book titled 'Assignment' on March 16, 1968. The book was a collection of his photography work, covering a wide range of subjects from portraits of famous personalities to landscapes and everyday life. 'Assignment' is acclaimed for its innovative and boundary-pushing style, reflecting his unique eye for detail and emotion through the art of photography.

Lord Snowdon and Princess Margaret announced their separation in 1976 and were officially divorced on May 11, 1978. The divorce was a significant event in British royal history as it marked the first royal divorce since Henry VIII's era. The couple had been married for 18 years, and their separation was widely covered in the media, reflecting the challenges faced within the marriage.

The Snowdon Aviary, designed by Lord Snowdon, was opened to the public at the London Zoo on September 14, 1985. This landmark structure became renowned for its innovative design, blending modern architectural elements with a functional space for the aviary's inhabitants. It showcased Lord Snowdon’s skills not only as a photographer but also as a designer and architect, contributing to animal conservation.

In 2001, Lord Snowdon released his autobiography, 'Snowdon: A Life in View', on October 23. The book provides an in-depth look into his personal life, career, and the many notable figures he has photographed. Through his words, readers gained insight into the experiences that shaped his life and work, as well as his complex relationship with Princess Margaret and the royal family.

On November 17, 2006, the National Portrait Gallery in London held a comprehensive retrospective of Lord Snowdon’s photographic works. The exhibition celebrated his contribution to portrait photography and featured an extensive collection of his works, capturing images of the royal family, celebrities, and cultural icons. Snowdon was widely regarded as a leading photographer of his era, and the exhibition solidified his legacy in the field.

Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, passed away at the age of 86 on January 13, 2017. His death marked the end of an era for a figure who had not only been deeply involved with the British royal family but also left a significant mark on the fields of photography and design. Lord Snowdon is remembered for his artistic contributions, public service, and the blend of creativity he brought to his many roles.