Sir John Lavery, R.H.A., R.A., R.S.A. (1856-1941)

In 1932 Lavery was commissioned by Lord Wakefield on behalf of the Honorable Company of Master Mariners to paint the ceremony held in the Mansion House for the granting of Letters Patent. The project was similar to other large group portraits, dating back to 1888, when Lavery painted The State Visit of Queen Victoria to the Glasgow International Exhibition (Glasgow City Art Galleries). As on that occasion, Lavery executed small swift, disconnected portrait studies which he then incorporated into the finished canvas. The present 'Portrait studies' is one of a number which survive in connection with the finished work, HRH The Prince of Wales receiving from the Lord Mayor, Letters Patent under the Mayoralty Seal granting Livery to the Honorable Company of Master Marines, 1932, shown at the Royal Academy in 1933.

K.M.