Salvador Dali reading his biography, 6 May, 1959 (b/w photo)

Salvador Dali reading his biography, 6 May, 1959. A photograph of the Spanish artist Salvador Dali (1904-1989), taken by Terry Fincher for the Daily Herald newspaper. Dali is reading Fleur Cowles' book 'The Case of Salvador Dali' (1959), whilst on a train from Folkestone, having travelled from France. Cowles' book was an authorised biography of Dali. With a studied expression of shock on his face, Dali enjoys the photo opportunity. One of the most famous, charismatic and notorious artists of the twentieth century, Dali devoted himself to drawing and painting from an early age. By the 1950s Dali had turned to demonstrating scientific, historical and religious themes in his work. In later life he founded both the Dali Theatre-Museum, Figueres, Spain and the Gala-Salvador Dali Foundation, Pubol Castle, Spain - the latter to manage his legacy. ©SSPL/NMeM/Daily Herald Archive