The City of London's collection
of works of art originated with its commission to John Michael
Wright to paint the portraits of the 'Fire Judges' between
1670 and 1675. The collection has since grown by gift and
bequest as well as commission and purchase, and today it
contains many significant portraits painted over five
centuries, the earliest dating from c1517. As well as Royal
portraits commissioned to express the Corporation's loyalty to
the Crown and those of Lord Mayors and other individuals
connected with City government, the collection includes a wide
variety of other sitters painted by some of the most
significant artists in the field - from Sir Thomas Lawrence's
dramatic representation of the actor John Philip Kemble in
role as Coriolanus to Sir John Lavery's portrait of his
socialite wife Hazel as 'The Silver Swan'.
Price £6.95
Ref No: 2
To order
Tel 020 7332 3700
City of London shop