Anthony Blunt was a prominent British art historian who served as the director of the Courtauld Institute of Art, as well as the Surveyor of the Queen’s Pictures, a role he held from 1945 to 1972. He’s best known for his work on French art, particularly the work of Nicolas Poussin. However, his biggest claim to fame (or, rather, infamy) is his role as a Soviet spy. Blunt was a member of the Cambridge Spy Ring, a group of British elites who passed secret information to the USSR during World War II.
His spying activities were uncovered in 1964 but were kept secret until 1979 when Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher publically revealed his role. As a result of his confession, Blunt was granted immunity from prosecution. However, the reveal of his espionage activities resulted in public outrage. The consequences were largely reputational, as Blunt was immediately stripped of his knighthood and became a social pariah.
Key Takeaways
- Anthony Blunt was a renowned British art historian and director of the Courtauld Institute of Art.
- He held the role of Surveyor of the Queen’s Pictures from 1945 to 1972.
- Blunt was a member of the Cambridge Spy Ring, which passed secrets to the USSR during World War II.
- His spying activities were revealed publicly in 1979, leading to public disgrace.
- He was stripped of his knighthood as a result of his espionage activities.
Related Questions
1. Who were the other members of the Cambridge Spy Ring?
Aside from Anthony Blunt, the Cambridge Spy Ring included Kim Philby, Guy Burgess, and Donald Maclean.
2. Why was Anthony Blunt granted immunity?
Blunt was granted immunity in exchange for his full confession and cooperation with British authorities.
3. How did Blunt’s exposure as a spy affect his professional career?
Following his exposure, Blunt was stripped of his knighthood and lost his job as the Surveyor of the Queen’s Pictures.
4. What was Blunt’s involvement in World War II?
During the war, Blunt was a member of MI5 and used his position to pass information to the Soviet Union.
5. What was Anthony Blunt’s major contribution to the field of art history?
Blunt is best known for his work on French art, especially that of Nicolas Poussin.